William Callow R.W.S. (1812-1908) - Old Cottage beside an English country road

William Callow often drew works of the English countryside and was fascinated by old buildings that he encountered on his journeys. Although the location and date of this work are elusive, the signature and colour palette most likely help to date the watercolour to the 1840s or 1850s. The picture has remained particularly vibrant in colour and is an excellent example of Callow's skill in landscape painting.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper.
 
Signed l.r. 'Wm Callow', 25.6 x 36 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Michael Appelby of St James's; Bonhams 18th and 19th Century British Watercolours and Drawings 6th February 2007 lot 17 (sold for £1,680).
 
Condition report: there is a small tear in the paper on the path towards the bottom of the watercolour (see photos), this is not obvious unless you look closely. There is also a small vertical crease in the paper which we have tried to photograph, it is situated to the left of the cottage in the sky. Lastly, there are a couple of marks in the sky to the left of the cottage. These appear to be watercolour paint and are were most likely by Callow himself.