Henry Charles Brewer (1866-1950) - Wells Cathedral and the Chain Gate

The Gothic Cathedral of Wells provides a picturesque subject for this watercolour. The Chain Gate is located next to the northern side of the Cathedral and controls access from St Andrew Street to the Cathedral Green. It was built around 1460 and links the Cathedral to Vicars' Close. This allowed clergy to enter the Cathedral without using the public entrances and also protected them from rainy weather.
 
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 x 24 cm, framed (note the frame does have some scuff marks).
 
Provenance: Abbott & Holder; Artist's Studio Sale at Christie's, 26th April 1989.