Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5

Ken Messer
Magdalen Bridge, Oxford Magdalen College watercolour by Ken Messer

1974

$1,292.75
£950
€1,116.09
CA$1,776.03
A$1,982.77
CHF 1,038.94
MX$24,271
NOK 13,194.54
SEK 12,440.78
DKK 8,329.51
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. Ken Messer (1931 - 2018) Magdalen Bridge (1974) Watercolour 24 x 27 cm Signed and dated lower right. The painter and draughtsman Ken Messer is closely related to Oxford and its architecture in several ways. Born in Newport, South Wales, he was educated at the City of Oxford High School for Boys in Oxford, and then spent six years working as an accountant in Oxford. He then joined British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) as a steward, flying internationally. Injury due to a car accident during the 1960s meant that he joined the design department of Pergamon Press in Oxford at the age of 33. Six years later, he was appointed to the position of studio manager, in charge of art and design. In 1974, Messer left Pergamon Press to become a freelance graphic designer. He started painting more watercolours, becoming a full-time artist. During the 1980s, his ink drawings were regularly published in the Oxford Times. He has sometimes been called "The Oxford Artist" because of his large number of works depicting Oxford. He and his wife Dilys lived at first in Richmond upon Thames and then in Abingdon, just south of Oxford. Messer's work has been shown at the Mall Galleries for the annual exhibitions of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours annual exhibitions.
  • Creator:
    Ken Messer (1931 - 2017)
  • Creation Year:
    1974
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 10.63 in (27 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Very good.
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU795313915222

More From This Seller

View All
James Greig Magdalen College Oxford and River Isis watercolour
By James Greig
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. James Greig (1861-1941) Magdalen College...
Category

1920s Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Magdalen Tower, Magdalen College, Oxford watercolour by Fred Taylor
By Fred Taylor
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the ...
Category

20th Century Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Magdalen College and Bridge from the Cherwell, Oxford watercolour G F Nicholls
By George Frederick Nicholls
Located in London, GB
George Frederick Nicholls (1850-1935) Magdalen College from the Cherwell, Oxford Watercolour 37x24cm Early twentieth century. Born in Great Saughall in Cheshire – and dying in Ches...
Category

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

The Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College, Cambridge River Cam watercolour
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. The Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College, Cambridge Watercolour 27 x 18 cm A delightful watercolour of Cambridge's famous Mathematical Bridge. Figures punt under the bridge and the buildings of Queens are reflected in the serene waters of the River Cam...
Category

20th Century Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Trinity Bridge Cambridge - George Lilly Anderson - watercolour painting
By George Lilly Anderson
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the ...
Category

1950s Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

St John's College, Cambridge Kitchen Bridge watercolour by Christopher Wren
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. The Wren Bridge, St John's College, Cambridge Engraving 35 x 24 cm Signed as a cypher lower right. A 1911 watercolour of St John's College's Wren Bridge, also known as the Kitchen Bridge. There had been a wooden bridge in this location since the early days of the medieval Hospital of St John the Evangelist. Christopher Wren...
Category

1910s Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

You May Also Like

Historic Miniature Watercolor of Magdalen College Oxford with Bridge and Tower
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Historic Miniature Watercolor of Magdalen College Oxford with Bridge and Tower by Jack Grunwell, 20th century British artist Medium: Watercolor on thin card, unframed Measure...
Category

20th Century English School Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Oxford cityscape #1
By Ken Messer
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Oxford Cityscape #1" 1972 is a watercolor by noted architectural British artist, Ken Messer 1931-2017. It is signed and dated at the lower right corner by the artist. The artwork size is 20 x 11.25 inches, framed is 26,85 x 17.75 inches. It is custom framed in his original wooden gold and green frame. Artwork and frame are in very good condition. About the artist. After attending City of Oxford High School for Boys, where he excelled at rugby and cricket, he started work as an accountant in the city. He then moved on to become a steward for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). In the 1960’s Mr Messer was involved in a car accident which would end his sporting career and change his working life. When he left his job with BOAC he became a graphic designer at Pergamon Press, owned by Robert Maxwell, which allowed him time to pursue his real passion which was painting watercolours. He rose through the ranks at Pergamon to become studio manager and when he could progress no further he decided to become a full time artist, a role from which he never retired. He quickly became well-known for his paintings of Oxford...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Pershore, Worcestershire /// Contemporary British Watercolor City Scene Village
By Ken Burton
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Ken Burton (English, 1946-) Title: "Pershore, Worcestershire" *Signed by Burton lower right Year: 1988 Medium: Original Watercolor on heavy wove paper Framing: Not framed, but beautifully matted with hand decorated archival French matting Matted size: 21.25" x 26" Image size: 12.5" x 18.5" Condition: Never framed, has been professionally stored away for decades. In mint condition Notes: Provenance: acquired directly from the artist Burton himself in the 1980's. Pershore is a market town in Worcestershire, England, on the banks of the River Avon. Pershore is in the Wychavon district and is part of the West Worcestershire parliamentary constituency. At the 2011 census the population was 7,125. Biography: Born in Peterborough in 1946, Ken Burton's interest in art began at school and led him to an initial choice of career in design and engraving, in which he trained with Joseph Hules, in London. He left in 1970 to enter public service (The British Police...
Category

1980s Contemporary Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

The Medieval Bridge at Aylesford in the County of Kent, English River Landscape
By Frank Sherwin
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
A delicate watercolor view of the Bridge at Aylesford over the River Medway in the English county of Kent. Signed lower left "Frank Sherwin", (English,...
Category

1950s Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Historic Miniature Watercolor of Historic Toll Bridge at Bathampton
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Historic Miniature Watercolor of Historic Toll Bridge at Bathampton by Jack Grunwell, 20th century British artist Medium: Watercolor on thin card, unframed Measurements: 3.75 inches (height) x 4.25 inches (width) Condition: Very good and highly presentable Provenance: From a large private collection of this artists work in Bristol, England. Description: This evocative watercolor by Jack Grunwell captures the Bathampton Toll Bridge, a charming historic landmark nestled along the Kennet and Avon Canal near Bath, England. Bathampton, a picturesque village, is known for its scenic waterways, Georgian heritage, and tranquil rural charm. Grunwell’s use of warm golden hues for the tollhouse and the reflective shimmer of the water creates a sense of nostalgia and serenity. The architecture, with its distinctive red roof and Georgian-style windows, showcases the character of 18th and 19th-century buildings that once served as essential river crossings for travelers and traders. Bathampton is steeped in history, with connections to Jane Austen, the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the grandeur of Bath’s Georgian architecture. This scene perfectly encapsulates the timeless beauty of the English countryside, making it an ideal piece for collectors who appreciate historic British landscapes, waterways, and heritage architecture. Key Features: Historical Significance: Depicts Bathampton’s Toll Bridge and historic tollhouse, an important local landmark. Rich Color Palette: Warm ochres, deep greens, and soft blues create a beautifully balanced composition. Architectural Charm: The traditional riverside building with Georgian influences adds to its period authenticity. Tranquil Setting: A peaceful riverside view, ideal for lovers of English countryside art...
Category

20th Century English School Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Bridge at Sonning on Thames /// Antique British Watercolor Bridge Architecture
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Alfred Sale Watson (English, Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century) Title: "Bridge at Sonning on Thames" *Signed and dated by Watson lower left Year: 1905 Medium: Original Gouache/Watercolor Painting on thin Illustration Board Framing: Recently framed in a gold brush and rope-motif moulding with hand decorated archival French matting Framed size: 26" x 31.88" Matted size: 20.25" x 26.25" Image size: 15" x 21" Condition: Has been professionally stored away for decades. In excellent condition Notes: It is also titled and dated on verso, likely by a previous dealer. Sonning is a village and civil parish in Berkshire, England, on the River Thames, east of Reading. The village was described by Jerome K. Jerome in his book Three Men in a Boat...
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Board, Illustration Board, Gouache