1977 Watercolour of Boscastle Village North Cornwall with Hill View and Cottages

Title: 1977 Watercolour of Boscastle Village North Cornwall with Hill View and Cottages
By Tony Herbert (1927-2024)
Medium: Watercolor on board
Size: 10.25 x 13.75 inches
Annotated verso: “Boscastle – N. Cornwall ’77 (Nicky out mackerel fishing)”
Condition: very good; mild surface toning and handling marks consistent with age
Provenance: From a large private collection of this artists work, Oxford, England

Description: A beautifully observed 1977 watercolour by Tony Herbert, this scene captures the quiet magic of Boscastle, a historic village nestled in a sheltered valley on the North Cornwall coast. With its soft, earthy palette and atmospheric skies, Herbert evokes both the drama and calm of the region — cottages huddle beneath a forested hillside, while a winding road leads the eye around the curve of the village.

The artist’s handwritten note on the back — “Nicky out mackerel fishing” — adds a gentle, human touch that reflects Herbert’s sensitive approach to landscape. Though unsigned, this work is typical of Herbert’s later output: loose brushwork, carefully considered composition, and a love of humble places.

Boscastle is a beloved subject among collectors of Cornish coastal scenes, known for its unique topography, slate-roofed buildings, and painterly skies. Before the village was hit by the devastating 2004 flood, it remained a quiet haven — and Herbert’s 1970s portrayal captures that earlier moment with authenticity.

Tony Herbert (1927–2024) was a prolific British illustrator and watercolourist who exhibited across southern England. In later life, he travelled widely with his sketchbooks, but always retained a fondness for British landscapes. His watercolours are prized for their nostalgic tone, fluid technique, and warm observational quality.

Ideal for collectors of Cornish village art, British 20th-century watercolours, or fans of Herbert’s distinctive work.