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
Antique French Watercolor Portrait - Profile of Elegance (Woman)
Located in Houston, TX
Graceful watercolor portrait of an elegant auburn haired female in profile, 1912. Signed "Laure" and dated lower right. Over 100 years old. Original vintage one-of-a-kind artwork on...
Paper, Watercolor
Vintage Parisian Theater Sketch - Bonnet Beauty
Located in Houston, TX
Darling gouache and pencil sketch of a feminine stage costume complete with matching bonnet for a Paris theater by Willie & Co., circa 1930. Original artwork on paper displayed on a...
Gouache, Paper, Pencil
Gouache Fashion Sketch - Paris Street Fashion
Located in Houston, TX
French gouache fashion sketch of a casual day outfit, circa 1980. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Archival plastic sleeve and Certificate of ...
Gouache, Paper
$5,451
H 19.3 in W 15.36 in
Cecil Beaton - Watercolour Ballet Costume Design for Le Pavillon - 1936
By Cecil Beaton
Located in London, GB
SIR CECIL BEATON, CBE (1904-1980) Ballet Costume Design for Le Pavillon - 1936 Signed and bears wardrobe mark l.r.: Beaton Watercolour and ink on paper 49 by 39 cm., 19 ¼ by 15 ½ ...
Watercolor, Paper
Eyes in Blue Abstract
Located in Houston, TX
Modern watercolor painting including detailed eyes in blue, 2011. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Mat fits a standard-size frame. Archiva...
Watercolor
$2,333
H 13.08 in W 9.65 in
French School, Late 18th Century (circa 1775-1795) - Allegory Of Mourning
Located in Paris, Île-de-France
French School, late 18th century (circa 1775–1795) Allegory of Mourning (or Fallen Fortune) Pen and brown ink, grey ink, wash, watercolor, and white gouache highlights on laid paper...
Ink, Watercolor, Gouache, Laid Paper
French Watercolor
Located in Houston, TX
Pencil and watercolor portrait of a person in loose period clothing displaying nervous energy and vibrant demeanor by P.B. Faurnier, 1833. Signed lowe...
Paper, Watercolor
Portrait of a Man
Located in Houston, TX
Enigmatic portrait watercolor in warm autumn hues, circa 1930. Signed lower right. Original one-of-a-kind artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Mat fits a s...
Paper, Watercolor
Vibrant Colored Watercolor - Lively Local Musicians
Located in Houston, TX
Warmly hued Peruvian watercolor of a group of musicians donning traditional local dress, 2011. Signed lower right. Original artwork on paper dis...
Paper, Watercolor
Clown in Yellow
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-century French watercolor of clown in yellow tones, circa 1950. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Archival plastic sleeve and Certificate of...
Watercolor
French Drawing - Figure Study
Located in Houston, TX
Lovely one-of-a-kind pencil and watercolor sketch of various figures and a work horse, circa 1850. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Archival pl...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
The Red Dress
By Robert Hallowell
Located in Fairlawn, OH
The Red Dress Watercolor on paper, mounted on board by the artist, 1926 Signed and dated, 1926 lower left (see photo) Condition: Mounted on support board by the artist ...
Watercolor
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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 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 14.69 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 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 15.08 in W 19.02 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Figures in an English Park
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A joyful study in ink and watercolour washes by Harold Hope Read, depicting figures walking through a park. Well presented in a cream card mount and modern brown frame. Unsigned. On ...
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 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
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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 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 14.61 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 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