Thirlmere And Helvellyn, Lake District – Painting By Edward Horace Thompson,

Thirlmere and Helvellyn, Lake District – Watercolour by Edward Horace Thompson, c. 1925
Subject & Medium
This fine watercolour on paper depicts the Lake District landscape in Cumbria, with Thirlmere reservoir in the foreground and the imposing Helvellyn mountain beyond. The work is dated 1925 and remains well preserved beneath a protective glass cover, showcasing the artist’s delicate brushwork and subtle tonal range.
Composition & Technique
Edward Horace Thompson demonstrates a strong command of light and perspective. The reflective surface of the water contrasts with deeper passages of shadow, while foreground details include grasses, blooming heather, and a single upright tree that anchors the scene. In the distance, hills rise into mist-covered mountains, their left slopes catching warm golden light beneath a sky of shifting clouds and occasional blue. The balanced palette of green, brown, purple, white, grey, and blue conveys both vibrancy and harmony.
Signature
The painting is signed by Edward Horace Thompson, a recognised and listed British landscape artist, confirming its authenticity and enhancing its collectability.
About the Artist
Edward Horace Thompson (1879–1949) was one of Cumbria’s most accomplished landscape painters. Born in Seaton, he initially worked in an office before establishing a studio in Cockermouth. His watercolours, often celebrating the landscapes of his native region, are now held in private collections worldwide. Exhibited at Gladstone & Patterson and sold at established auction houses, his works have achieved notable results, with recorded prices reaching up to $4,605 USD.
About Thirlmere and Helvellyn
Helvellyn is the third-highest mountain in England and the Lake District, renowned for its dramatic ridges such as Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. It has long inspired poets, including Wordsworth and Coleridge.
Thirlmere, once a natural narrow lake, was transformed into a reservoir in the 19th century to supply water to Manchester. The surrounding fells, such as Raven Crag and Armboth Fell, provide striking views over both the lake and the mountain.
This landscape has been admired for centuries, making Thompson’s work part of a long tradition of artistic celebration of the Lake District.
Frame Details
The painting is mounted in a newly fitted Larson Julh gilt frame with floral foliage moulding. It is complemented by a fresh mount and fitted with a hanging thread for immediate display.
Dimensions (Framed)
Width: 58 cm
Height: 52 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Gray & Sons LTD Carlisle
Acquired from a northern auction house
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Condition
Painting: Good overall, with areas of light foxing
Mount: Excellent, recently replaced
Frame: Excellent, recently replaced and fitted with AR70 museum-quality anti-reflective glass
Why This Piece Stands Out
Authentic signed watercolour by a listed British artist
Evocative depiction of one of England’s most celebrated landscapes
Newly framed and ready to hang
Collectible and historically significant
Suitable for home, office, or gallery display
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe delivery.
Availability
Available now. Secure this original Lake District watercolour painting before it is acquired by another collector.
Additional Information
Further works are available through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Please contact us with any enquiries.