Collection of Albert Goodwin paintings discovered in Shropshire
A unique single owner collection of watercolours by noted English landscape artist Albert Goodwin has been discovered in Shropshire.
The two albums of paintings, which are valued at around £20,000, belong to an elderly descendant of Goodwin (1845–1932) who has entered them in the fine pictures, silver and jewellery auction at Halls in Shrewsbury on October 23.
Goodwin travelled widely during his lifetime and the watercolours depict numerous subjects, including views in the Tyrol, the Mediterranean, Switzerland, around Lake Lucerne, other parts of Europe as well as Cairo and Port Said.
English views include Robin Hood’s Bay, Beechy Head, Old Sarum, Salisbury, Hastings, Oystermouth Castle and Swansea to name but a few.
“These watercolours have been in the artist’s family since they were painted and are fresh to the market,” said Allan Darwell, new head of the paintings department at Halls. “Goodwin was an important watercolourist who was influenced by Joseph Mallord William Turner, one of Britain's most famous painters, as well as the artist and critic John Ruskin.
“He exhibited prolifically at The Old Watercolour Society as well as at other prestigious venues in London and provincial art galleries and museums.”
Born in Maidstone, Goodwin was one of nine children and became an apprentice draper following school. His artistic flair soon emerged and he went on to study with the Pre-Raphaelite artists Arthur Hughes and Ford Madox Brown.
He exhibited his first painting at the Royal Academy at the age of 15 and became an associate member of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1876. His work was championed by Ruskin who took him on a tour of Europe, where he made many sketches, which were later turned into watercolours.
A prolific artist, Goodwin produced more than 800 works and painted well into his 80s. His landscape subjects reflect his love of travel and the influence of Turner, with whom he felt a strong affinity.
