The Seat of B. Belcher Esq.
Watercolour by Edward Hassell depicting The Seat of B. Belcher Esq. 1826.
This watercolour depicts a detailed architectural view of a large stately house. The style of the house is neoclassical with a symmetrical distribution of a central block and one smaller block at each side of the central one. The central two-story block has a façade with a prominent central entrance flanked by columns and a pediment above. The roof is flat through the building and grand windows are doted all over the composition. The extremes of both lateral blocks have a walled space instead of a window, but following the same shape as the rest of the ground floor windows, to encourage the symmetry.
There is a a lawn in front of the house and some trees and shrubs can be seen lining the house and in the background.
There is a handwritten inscription at the bottom , which reads "The Seat of B. Belcher Esq.. Roehampton". The work is also signed at the bottom right corner by the artist "B. Hassell".
Artist Biography
Edward Hassell (1811–1852) Edward Hassell was a British watercolourist, son of topographical artist John Hassell. He was particularly drawn to church interiors and modern architecture, capturing them with precision and sensitivity. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and the British Institution, and was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists from 1841, serving as its secretary. His contributions were well recognised during his lifetime. Hassell died in 1852.
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