Mid 1900-1999, Ludlow Castle and Town

England, Shropshire – Ludlow Castle, The Town and Dinham Bridge by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed front lower right and left, signed again and inscribed to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed sheet 9.75 x 13.75 inches Delightful view of historic Ludlow by Leon. Rowe, likely to be 1940’s based on knowledge of some other work we have in the collection and the paper used for this one. This is a scene painted in neutral tones from a high vantage point – the artist was positioned on the hillside above Dinham Bridge and the River Teme to get this view. Most of Rowe’s work we have was completed in Europe on painting trips, but a small selection are of British scenes, this is one of them. This work forms part of an extensive 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: A small tear on the top edge has been taped at the back to stop it spreading. This sheet of paper is thinner than most others in the collection so the edges and corners do show some age with minor shallow folds and edge discolouration. Overall there is even toning, the sky area does look slightly “grubby”. Image overall is nice for framing.