Sir Albert Richardson PRA
Architectural Study of Dieppe Cathedral

Watercolour & Pencil
27 x 17 cm
Signed bottom left and dated 1956 to bottom right.

Sir Albert Edward Richardson (1880–1964) was a distinguished British architect, teacher, and historian, known for his deep reverence for classical design principles and his pivotal contributions to architecture during the 20th century. He was a prolific figure whose work and writings championed traditional architectural forms amidst the rise of modernism.

Richardson was captivated by the charm of Dieppe, its historic architecture, and its position as a cultural hub. He saw the town as a rich repository of architectural styles, particularly French Baroque and Rococo, which complemented his interest in classical and historical design. As with other towns, he played an active role in efforts to preserve and document Dieppe’s architectural heritage. While in Dieppe, Richardson produced numerous sketches and drawings of Dieppe’s streetscapes, detailing its historic buildings, market squares, and coastal landscapes. Such works remain valuable as a record of the town’s architectural history.

The work pictured here is one such example of Richardson’s Dieppe sketches. The terracotta coloured roof of Dieppe cathedral stands out in watercolour against the pencil sketching of the ornate masonry details, meanwhile townsfolk are sketched into the foreground, wandering down the impressive street. Richardson blends the daily life of the city with the monumental architecture that has become part of its landscape. In doing so, he highlights the historical and architectural significance of this area.