Mid 1900-1999, Belgium, the Bell Tower in Bruges

Belgium. The Bell Tower in Bruges by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed and dated front lower right corner, inscribed, dated and signed again to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed sheet 13.75 x 9.75 inches Very nicely executed painting by Leon. Rowe, inscribed to the back and dated June 1950. This depicts The Bell Tower “Belfort”, which dates to the 13th century and the tower houses 47 carillon bells. If you visit you can enjoy 366 steps to the top. To paint this scene the artist was positioned in Vlamingstraat. There is a lot going on in this painting, the street busy with people and a covered cart. To the back the artist has written “Morning sketch Bruges Bell Tower” and “June 50”. 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. Signed and dated front lower right. Signed, dated and inscribed to the back. 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. Clean throughout, even the sheet edges. The image has a slightly marked and toned sky area in the sky area, with a specific rust coloured marking on the left side in the sky against the building on the left edge. It is not foxing, it appears more a substance which the artist accidentally marked the image with. The figure in red walking towards the artist as some blue ink applied to the image around the figure’s shoulders. This looks like an afterthought by the artist, trying to apply a cape of some sort to the figure. Overall, a clear image with gentle colour.