This wonderful print of “Farringford House” is from the book “Isle of Wight” painted by A. Heaton Cooper and described by A. R. Hope Moncrieff. Published in 1908 by Adam and Charles Black of London this was just one of the many travel guides created between the publishers and Cooper. Alfred Heaton Cooper (1864 – 1929) is a highly acclaimed Victorian artist whose legacy continues today with the family business that still exists as an art gallery and shop in Grasmere, Cumbria in the Lake District. Cooper was born in Manchester, England but in 1884 he moved to London to study under George Clausen. He quit his studies early to travel (from Morocco to Norway where he met his wife Mathilde) but eventually moved back to the English Lake District where he believed there was a market for his work amongst visiting tourist. His son William Heaton Cooper also went on to become a prominent watercolour landscape artist.

The print definition and quality are typical of that time period, lacking much of the sharp clarity that is available today with offset printing but adds timeless charm to this beautiful print. The soft muted colors offer a glimpse into art created at the turn of the century and the actual scene depicted in the painting is of a time in England’s past that will never be seen again. Based on his painting style, it is easy to see why even today the Cooper landscape watercolours are still popular and much in demand.

There is slight uniform tanning of the paper around the actual image (both from age and also from the tissue paper used to protect the image) with a gold gilt page edge along the top. The illustrations were printed on a high gloss paper and are still very vibrant and in extremely beautiful condition even though the print is well over 100 years old. The rough edge from the binding has been removed but that is the only "altering" that has taken place (the interior edge is trimmed). Prints are carefully mounted on mats to simplify framing after purchase and to protect the print during display/shipment. All mat materials are acid and lignin free, the actual print is not archival safe. The original book measured approximately 8- 1/2 x 6” but the book plate is being sold custom matted to fit in a standard 8x10 frame. Mat color is Navy Blue (although it looks black in the image).

Antique prints are always the perfect decorating choice for any room in your home or office. They also make great one of a kind gifts for birthdays, weddings or baby shower, a housewarming, or the holidays, as they are always charming and unique. Browse our store for other prints in this series to complete a matching wall grouping or for other areas of interest.

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