19Th Century Painting The Long Gallery Fireplace, Westwood House, Worcestershire

Westwood House Interior: The Long Gallery Chimneypiece” (1891)
Watercolour Study after the Manner of John Chessell Buckler (1793–1894)
Subject & Medium
This finely executed architectural watercolour, painted in 1891 by E. Leonard, presents an intimate and atmospheric view of the Long Gallery fireplace at Westwood House, Worcestershire.
At its centre stands a magnificent Jacobean oak chimneypiece, richly carved and crowned by an overmantel portrait of a Tudor or early-Stuart gentleman in ruff and doublet — a refined emblem of lineage and continuity.
The scene is gently animated by ceramic vases in deep cobalt and ruby tones, a tall urn of dried flowers, and a crimson chaise longue softening the grandeur of the architecture. Behind, delicate mural paintings of classical figures and trees, rendered in pale pastel tones, evoke the charm of a faded fresco. A subtle glow of firelight from within the hearth enlivens the room, reflecting across polished oak and mellow floorboards.
Through transparent washes of ochre, sienna, and umber, Leonard captures the poetic dignity and enduring grace of an English country house interior — a perfect harmony of architectural accuracy and painterly warmth.
Composition & Technique
Executed in the manner of John Chessell Buckler, one of Britain’s foremost architectural draughtsmen, this painting exemplifies the precision, clarity, and tonal restraint of the Buckler school.
Leonard’s mastery of linear perspective and sensitive handling of light reveal a dedication to truth in architecture, yet his work possesses a distinct painterly intimacy — transforming documentation into living atmosphere.
By balancing architectural structure with aesthetic emotion, Leonard creates a sympathetic portrait of a historic space alive with memory, bridging the disciplines of record and art.
Westwood House & the Long Gallery
Westwood House, near Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, was built circa 1600–1612 for Sir John Pakington and remains one of the county’s most distinguished Jacobean houses. Its symmetrical “butterfly” plan, richly carved interiors, and heraldic ornament earned it Grade I listed status.
The Long Gallery, extending the length of the principal floor, served as a place for promenade, ceremony, and display — a statement of culture and lineage. The chimneypiece, with its coupled columns, strapwork friezes, and heraldic shields, represents the pinnacle of early-Stuart woodcarving.
By the time Leonard painted it in 1891, Westwood House had already gained recognition among antiquarians and architects, later featured in publications such as In English Homes (1904). His watercolour therefore stands as both aesthetic tribute and historical preservation — capturing three centuries of English taste and craftsmanship.
The Artist — E. Leonard
Little is recorded of E. Leonard, a late-Victorian watercolourist working in the antiquarian and architectural tradition. His delicate draughtsmanship, tonal control, and sensitivity to atmosphere reveal the influence of John Chessell Buckler and his circle.
Leonard’s works embody the 19th-century ideal of “truth to architecture” — the belief that historic buildings were best preserved through art that balanced accuracy with emotion.
Signature
Unsigned, though a printed card verso bears the artist’s name E. Leonard, the date 1891, and the title Westwood Park, Worcestershire.
Framed Presentation
Mounted and presented in a Larson-Juhl gilt moulded frame, chosen to complement the warm tonal palette and historic character of the work.
Accompanied by a conservation-grade white mount with gilt fillet and glazed with AR70 low-reflection glass providing exceptional clarity and UV protection.
A museum-quality presentation ensuring both aesthetic harmony and long-term preservation.
Framed dimensions: 51 cm (W) × 41 cm (H) × 4 cm (D)
Provenance
Private Collection, Worcestershire.
Exhibited: “Elegance & Memory: The Country House Interior in Watercolour,”
Lord Hill Museum, Autumn 2025 — curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd.
Highlights
Rare 1891 architectural watercolour in the manner of John Chessell Buckler.
Atmospheric and accurate record of a Grade I Jacobean interior.
Harmonious blend of architectural precision and painterly warmth.
Museum-grade framing with Larson-Juhl gilt moulding and AR70 glazing.
A timeless celebration of English craftsmanship, heritage, and elegance.
An ideal centrepiece for any collection of architectural or country-house art.
To own this painting is to hold a link across centuries — the vision of 1600, the artistry of 1891, and the connoisseurship of today.
Condition
Excellent. Colours remain bright and stable with only light toning consistent with age.
Newly framed using full conservation-grade materials; frame, mount, and glazing pristine.
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