Harold Hope Read was born in Greenwich in 1881 and later lived in Lewisham in London, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, where he passed away in 1959. During his years in Tunbridge Wells, where he moved to in the 1930s, Hope Read lived an avant-garde lifestyle with his live-in housekeeper, life model and mistress, who we know only as Hilda. Here the artist became known as the Bohemian of Tunbridge Wells and his work is now acknowledged as the precursor of Edward Ardizzone (1900–79). It is from Hilda, that the present collection of works originates, after being passed down through Hilda's family after her death. Hope Read’s involvement with his patron, Charles Lambert Rutherston and fellow artists William Orpen (1878–1931) and Sir William Rothenstein (1872–1945) has been credited for inspiring the series of paintings and drawings he titled High Life. In this series, Hope Read depicts the wealthy and famous clientele of his colleagues in a lavishly detailed drawing style. Through this style, he conveyed the opulence of the members of high-society he encountered, including their luxurious costumes and grand interiors. Hope Read regularly submitted works to the Royal Academy's Annual Exhibition and exhibited works at the Alpine Gallery, the New English Art Club, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and the National Society of British Artists.
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, A Walk in the Park
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A vibrant and characterful watercolour illustration by Harold Hope Read (1881-1959). Well presented in a complementing green and gilt frame. Unsigned. On laid.
Watercolor
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Crowds on the Beach
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A fascinating glimpse of holiday life in the early 20th century, this beach scene features characters of various ages enjoying a day at the seaside. Well presented in a gilt effect f...
Watercolor
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Bathers on a Crowded Beach
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A fascinating glimpse of holiday life in the early 20th century, this beach scene features characters of various ages. The artist has used clothing to hi...
Watercolor
$233Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 6.5 in
1940's Fashion Illustration - Lady In White Dress With Draped Orange Head Scarf
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil. The sketch is original, vintage and me...
Gouache
Halston , Vogue Magazine Illustration, Italy
By Antonio Lopez
Located in Miami, FL
Signature: Published Vogue Italy Client Halston Double Signature Signed lower right Antonio Also signed Halston Graphic remarks were written in pencil by Halston. work is elegantly m...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Water Babies- Sitting on a Leaf
By Jessie Willcox Smith
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Medium: Ink and Watercolor on Paper Signature: Signed Lower Right Contact for exact dimensions. Inscribed Signed for-/Thomas Oakley/CHRISTMAS-1919 (lower right) - Charles Kingsle...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
$800
H 19.5 in W 27.5 in D 0.1 in
Duchándome, May 28th, Watercolor Diptych, 2018
By Celso José Castro Daza
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Drawing on paper is his basic work tool, some are sketches of his surviving works, and others are sketches of moments he documents. Throughout his artistic career, Castro has exalt...
Watercolor, Paper, Ink
$211Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.75 in W 8.75 in
1940's Fashion Illustration - Stunning Woman In Light Blue Dress
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil. The s...
Gouache
“Lincoln Memorial”
Located in Southampton, NY
KUNSTLER, Morton, (American, 1931-2025): "Lincoln Memorial, April 15, 1865", monochrome gouache on board. Signed by the artist and dated '03 lower right, labeled verso. Actual size is 12 by 12 inches. Sight size is 11.75 by 11.75 inches. Condition is excellent. Under glass. Overall framed measurements are 25 inches by 25 inches. Provenance: A Sarasota, Florida collector. Biography He’s the premier historical artist in America - and now he focuses mainly on the American Civil War. When Mort Künstler began his current emphasis on Civil War art...
Gouache, Board
$520
H 19.5 in W 13.75 in D 0.1 in
Duchándome, June 5th, Watercolor Nude, Pastel and Ink on Archival Paper
By Celso José Castro Daza
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Drawing on paper is his basic work tool, some are sketches of his surviving works, and others are sketches of moments he documents. Throughout his artistic career, Castro has exalt...
Pastel, Watercolor, Paper, Ink
$222Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.75 in W 8.75 in
1940's Fashion Illustration - Lady In Bright Blue Puffy Dress, Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil, double...
Gouache
$1,250
H 29.2 in W 13.5 in D 0.1 in
Ragazzo for Boys, Boys, Pride, Triptych. Watercolor figurative
By Celso José Castro Daza
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Drawing on paper is his basic work tool, some are sketches of his surviving works, others are sketches of moments he documents. Undefined by medium, Celso Castro’s works each carry...
Watercolor, Pencil, Paper, Ink
$233Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 7.75 in
1940's Fashion Illustration - Lady In Dashing Green Ball Dress
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil. The sketch is original, vintage and me...
Gouache
$233Sale Price|20% Off
H 12 in W 9.5 in
1940's Fashion Illustration - Black & White Stylish Women In Chic Clothing
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil. The s...
Gouache
$166Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.75 in W 9.75 in
1940's French Fashion Illustration - Elegant Three Women Face Portraits
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil, double sided The sketch is original, v...
Gouache
Sold
H 14.57 in W 15.36 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Early 20th Century Watercolour, Lady's Room
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A delightful watercolour painting with pen and ink by the artist Harold Hope Read. The scene depicts a room with several high society ladies, a typical subject in Read's work. Presen...
Watercolor
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H 12.52 in W 10.16 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Watercolour, Fête Champêtre"
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A vibrant and characterful garden party, drawn in ink, watercolour and graphite. This is a fantastic example of the artist's ability to create narrativ...
Watercolor
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H 17.29 in W 21.5 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Pen and Ink Drawing, Holiday Makers
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A beautifully observed study of holiday makers on an English beach by Harold Hope Read, painted in the artist's typical narrative style. This is a wonderful example of Hope Read's be...
Pen
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H 14.69 in W 18.9 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Busy 1920s Street Scene
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A stunning example of Harold Hope Read's oeuvre, drawn with ink and watercolour wash. Typical of the artist's subject matter, we are presented with a narrative composition of figures...
Watercolor
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H 17.33 in W 23.82 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Ladies on a Park Stroll
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A superb watercolour by Harold Hope Read depicting fashionably dressed 1920s ladies enjoying a summer's day in an English park. The painting is laid to backing paper with a hand draw...
Watercolor
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H 14.69 in W 17.84 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Daily Street Scene
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
An excellent narrative watercolour in the typical style of Harold Hope Read, depicting a crowded city street scene (possibly Brighton, where the artist lived for a time). In his dist...
Watercolor
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H 15.28 in W 18.35 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Busy Street Scene
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
An excellent narrative watercolour in the typical style of Harold Hope Read, depicting a crowded city street scene (possibly Brighton, where the artist lived for a time). In his dist...
Watercolor
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H 15.28 in W 18.31 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Signed & Framed 1925 Watercolour, Beach Dozing
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A beautifully observed study of relaxing on an English beach by Harold Hope Read, painted in the artist's typical narrative style. This is a wonderful example of Hope Read's beach sc...
Watercolor
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H 14.73 in W 17.76 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Signed 1925 Watercolour, Strolling Through a Park
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
An excellent narrative watercolour in the typical style of Harold Hope Read, depicting crowds enjoying a summer's day in an English park. In his distinctive style, Hope Read has crea...
Watercolor
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H 14.65 in W 18.27 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Figures in a Park
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
An excellent narrative watercolour in the typical style of Harold Hope Read. Depicting 1920s characters relaxing in an English park. Well presented in a cream card mount and contempo...
Watercolor
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H 14.61 in W 17.68 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Signed & Framed 1923 Watercolour, Crowd in Street
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
An excellent narrative watercolour in the typical style of Harold Hope Read, with details in heavy black Indian ink. Depicting a tightly packed crown in the middle of a city street, ...
Watercolor
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H 16.58 in W 21.74 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, A Busy Shopping Street
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A fantastic view of shoppers on a street, likely Tunbridge Wells or Brighton, both places where Harold Hope Read lived for a time - he enjoyed drawing ...
Watercolor