This week, I came across a watercolour by artist #AllenWilliamSeaby (1867-1953). Seaby is best remembered as an ornithological (birds) painter and printmaker in the Japanese style using woodblocks. He collaborated/published a number of books ranging from art history, painting techniques, and children’s literature. There is a little history on the back of the piece that explains why this artwork was created.

History on recto of frame.

This piece,’The Keystone of the Arch’, was commissioned by the Master of #TempleMarkLodge173 to provide inspiration to himself and others.

Seaby was born in London and studied art at the Reading School of Art. Seaby went on to teach at the University of Reading for many years.

The painting from which he made a woodblock print is created using a subdued colour palette with simple and loose brushwork. In many ways, it is perfect for making into a woodblock print. It is 9 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ (235×310). I have to guess at the age of this piece since neither the commendation on the recto nor the image itself is dated, but I would put it in the 1930s to 40s. A beautiful example of Seaby’s working style.