The Lane Near "The Arab Boy" Upper Richmond Road, Putney
Drawing by F. Hibbert depicting "The Lane Near "The Arab Boy" Upper Richmond Road, Putney". 1935
The scene is composed with a strong sense of perspective, drawing the viewer’s eye down the narrow, brick-paved path that recedes gently into the distance. The lane is flanked on either side by tall trees and built structures.
To the left, a wooden fence runs parallel to the path, its vertical slats slightly uneven. Behind it, trees rise tall and close together, their trunks slender and their foliage dense. The leaves are rendered in a soft, textured manner, creating a canopy that arches over the lane and casts it in deep, dappled shade. T
On the right side, a long brick wall stretches into the distance. The wall is solid and unbroken, a quiet counterpoint to the organic forms of the trees opposite. Above it, more trees lean inward, their branches mingling with those on the left to form a leafy tunnel that frames the path.
The bricks of the lane itself are drawn with careful attention to their texture and alignment, each one slightly distinct, contributing to the sense of depth and realism.
In the lower portion of the drawing, a handwritten inscription reads: LANE NEAR 'THE ARAB BOY', Upper Richmond Road, PUTNEY. To the right of this the artist has signed the work: H. Herbert, AUG: 1933
Artist Biography
Frank Benjamin Hibbert (1898–1996) Frank Hibbert was a British artist and draughtsman known for his detailed ink and watercolour depictions of London across the 20th century. Born in London, he served in the First World War before building a career as a commercial artist in Fleet Street. His drawings of London from the 1920s to the 1930s became vital records after wartime destruction of city archives. Hibbert lived and worked in Putney, where he served as a wartime special constable with the London Metropolitan Police. During this time, he was assigned to guard Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who resided near Richmond Park. In later years, Hibbert contributed to Wandsworth’s cultural life, donating artworks to the Wandsworth Museum and supporting local heritage projects, including fundraising for the restoration of Wimbledon Common’s windmill. His work continues to offer a rare and personal view of London’s changing streets, communities, and character.
Copyright Holder
copyright: Frank Hibbert's estate
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