Mid 1900-1999, Belgium, a Bruges Hotel

Belgium. A Bruges Hotel by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed, dated ’50 and inscribed front lower left corner, inscribed, dated and signed to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed sheet 9.75 x 13.75 inches Bright and jolly painting by Leon. Rowe, inscribed to both sides and dated 1950. A very cheerful image with a red and white striped awning over the hotel terrace and figures busy going about their day. A father and child stroll in the foreground. To the back the artist has inscribed the scene but we are unable to decipher the detail accurately…other than he mentions “luncheon” so we are sure he had a lovely time in this spot. Belgium and Luxembourg were two of Rowe’s favourite destinations for his painting trips overseas. Often incorporating figures into his work, his style is very similar to Thomas Morley’s paintings of French and Belgian market town scenes. This work forms part of a watercolour collection we currently hold by Rowe. Known as Leon Rowe, the artist was born in Staffordshire, England, in Christmas week of 1880. His career and business involved in him interior decoration, and the design and painting of theatre production stage scenery. He had a love of painting in watercolour for his own pleasure and the collection of work we currently hold by this artist shows exemplary skill. In his later years he was able to travel to Europe where much of his post war work was executed, although examples of his paintings are recorded as early as 1914, when he would have been around 25 years old. His earlier work shows his signature as Leon Rowe but the majority he signed as L M Rowe – as is the case here. He passed away in 1968. condition report: No tears or creases. Very clean throughout, even the sheet edges. The image is clean and clear with good strong colour.