Mid 1900-1999, Wales, Caernarfon Castle

Wales: Caernarfon Castle by Leonard Machin Rowe (1880-1968) signed front lower right, inscribed and signed to the back watercolour painting on artist’s paper, unframed Image 9.5 x 13.75 inches, sheet 10.75 x 15 inches Charming painting by Leon. Rowe, signed to both sides and inscribed to the back. Likely to be 1950’s, as much of the work we have in this artist’s portfolio is dated. A bright summer scene depicting the boats moored at the base of the castle walls in North Wales. Figures wander the pavement alongside the boats. 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: No tears. One diagonal crease in the lower left corner extending 2.5 inches up the left sheet edge and 1 inch along the lower edge. There is an unpainted margin around the edge of the sheet which has marks and discolouration, including some paint splashes. There are some graphite sketch markings throughout the image where the artist prepared the paper for painting. Image overall is clear with good colour.