Henry Charles Brewer (1866-1950) - Gloucester Cathedral from the South East

Gloucester Cathedral is one of the most impressive medieval Cathedrals in England. It is built on the same site as the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity which dates back to c.678 A.D. The construction of the Cathedral we know today, began in 1089 A.D. and consists of a Norman nave, crypt, columns and chapter house. It was originally a Benedictine Abbey of St Peter until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII.
 
As the Cathedral developed gothic architecture was used throughout the rest of the building. Gloucester Cathedral played an important role for the Royal Family with King Edward II being buried there. Richard II also famously held parliament at the Cathedral's Church House in 1378.
 
Brewer's watercolour takes  a south east view with the Tower of the Cathedral prominent in the back. This structure was completed c.1450 and includes Great Peter which is the largest medieval bell still used in Britain.
 
Brewer was a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour (R.I.) and exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Fine Art Society. He was particularly skilled at depicting church architecture and this watercolour is an excellent example of his talent in this genre.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper. 34.5 x 24 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Lot 72 from Brewer's Studio Sale at Christie's, 26th April 1989.