About this lot

Description

Living at Barnsbury Terrace signed with initial 'GJ' (lower left) oil on board (Dimensions: 121 x 182cm)

(121 x 182cm)

Footnote: Provenance The artist and by descent to the present owner Exhibited Norwich, Art 18/21, Gwyneth Johnstone, 18 June-12 July 2013 This present painting, with its wonderfully busy composition, depicts the period when Gwyneth and her mother, Nora Back, née Brownsword, owned a pair of houses in Barnsbury Terrace, London, during the 1950s. Gwyneth is depicted in the foreground towards the right of the painting wearing a yellow coat, whilst her mother can be seen entering the house. To Nora’s left is Mrs Green, the housekeeper, beating a rug whilst smoking a cigarette. The rooms in Barnsbury Terrace were divided up and panelled with wood salvaged from skips. They were rented out to lodgers, including Fenella Manners, whom Gwyneth has painted in the foreground with long blond hair and wearing a brown hat.

Condition report: Oil on hardboard support which is supported with a wooden stretcher attached to the reverse for rigidity. At the lower right hand corner is a repair to the support, a rectangle of hardboard has been attached to the reverse. Losses to the front have been filled and retouched, the texture of this repair is smoother compared to the surrounding areas but not obvious when viewed at a normal viewing distance. The artist has combined a gritty material, such as sand, into the paint layer to add texture. Overall the paint layers and frame are in a good, stable condition. There is a light layer of surface dust.

Back to lot listings