Original Watercolour Aldeburgh Suffolk Coastal Tower Boats and Buildings

Title: Original Watercolour Aldeburgh Suffolk Coastal Tower Boats and Buildings
By Tony Herbert (1927-2024)
Medium: Watercolor on artists paper
Size: 11.25 x 15 inches
Condition: Good overall; minor corner wear and subtle warping to paper edge
Provenance: From a large private collection of this artists work, Oxford, England

Description: Painted in 1994, this coastal watercolour by British artist Tony Herbert captures a striking view of Aldeburgh, a well-known Suffolk seaside town on the east coast of England. Central to the composition is the town’s distinctive Martello Tower, now a Grade II* listed building and one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks. The scene also includes brightly painted boats pulled up on the shingle beach, clustered cottages and houses, and the suggestion of open sky breaking over the coast.

Herbert’s brushwork is both energetic and precise — a hallmark of his plein air technique. The combination of warm brick tones, crisp shadows, and loose sky washes conjures the distinct atmosphere of the Suffolk coast in late summer or early autumn. The balance of architecture and natural elements lends this piece both structure and ease.

Aldeburgh has long been a magnet for artists, writers, and musicians — notably composer Benjamin Britten — and its architectural quirks and artistic legacy continue to draw attention from collectors worldwide. This work offers a charming yet sophisticated impression of one of England’s most culturally rich coastal towns.

Perfect for collectors of East Anglian coastal art, architectural watercolours, or those with a personal connection to Aldeburgh and the Suffolk heritage coast.