A finely worked English watercolor dated 1865, depicting Christchurch Park in Ipswich with a view toward Christchurch Mansion, one of Suffolk’s most distinguished Elizabethan houses. The delicate scene shows the parkland and ornamental pond, framed by trees and animated with swans on the water—a tranquil rendering of a beloved civic landscape. The handwritten inscription beneath the mount reads “Christ Church Park. Ipswich. 1865”, confirming both the subject and date.
Christchurch Mansion, originally built in the mid-16th century for the Withypoll family, has stood at the heart of Ipswich for centuries. Over time it passed through notable hands, including the Devereux and Fonnereau families, before being gifted to the town in the late 19th century. Today it remains a treasured public museum and gallery. Interestingly, attached to the reverse of this frame is a later 19th-century print of the mansion, dated 1878 and credited to William Buck, offering a fascinating layered provenance of how the house has been viewed and recorded across time.
Still preserved in its gilt frame with early mount, this watercolor captures not only the picturesque charm of a historic English estate but also the enduring fascination these great houses held for artists and visitors alike.
Dimensions:
overall 13.25 x 11.25"
Visible art: 6.25" x 5"
**Due to the unique antique and vintage nature of our pieces, all sales are final and sold as is. Our items are one-of-a-kind and can have wear consistent with age, including nicks, cracks, separation, doors and drawers that stick or don't close completely and patina which only adds to the character. Please be sure to ask any questions related to condition prior to purchase.**
