A glimpse of 18th century York (From York Press)
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A glimpse of 18th century York
7:57am Tuesday 7th August 2012 in History articles
Clifford’s Tower, c 1735, Anonymous. Pen, ink and watercolour wash, reproduced courtesy of York Museums Trust (York Art Gallery)
This lovely pen and ink sketch by an anonymous artist provides a wonderful glimpse of a famous York landscape in a less busy, frenetic age.
The artist’s use of correct perspective may be open to doubt, admits Peter Brown in his catalogue to the Views of York exhibition at Fairfax House, where this drawing is on loan from York Art Gallery, but many of the details are probably quite accurate.
“Following the mishaps affecting Clifford’s Tower, it was sold off and became a folly in a garden, and by the date of this drawing was in the ownership of Mr Waud. The helical path gave easy access to the top of the motte, where fine views could be had of the city from all points of the compass. Within the castle compound the biddings are recognisable, but splayed apart so the viewer can appreciate them. On the River Ouse the first section of the New Walk has been planted with trees…”
• The Views of York exhibition runs at Fairfax House until August 31. To find out more, visit yorkcivictrust.co.uk
