William Henry Hunt

Accompanying an exhibition that will be the first to investigate the depiction ?of rural figures by one of the most admired British watercolorists of the 19th century, William Henry Hunt. Taking its lead from W.H. Hunts watercolor The Head Gardener, c. 1825, that is part of The Courtauld Gallerys permanent collection, this focused display will be first to investigate Hunts depiction of rural figures in his work of the 1820s and 1830s. Consisting of twenty drawings borrowed from collections across the United Kingdom, William Henry Hunt: Country People will bring together watercolors depicting country people in their working or living environments, from farmer and gamekeeper to stonebreaker and gleaner. The representation of these country men, women and children, closely observed, raises questions about their status and way of life at a time of rapid agricultural and social change. These profound changes are also reflected in the literature of the period. William Henry Hunt was one of the most admired watercolorists of the 19th century. Better known as Birds Nest Hunt for his intricate still lives of flowers, fruit and birds eggs, he exhibited prolifically at the Old Water Colour Society. His works were sought after by collectors, notably John Ruskin, a serious champion of his work.