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
Three Figures
Located in London, GB
Watercolour and pencil on paper, 76cm x 51cm, (87cm x 61cm framed). Born in London to his renowned artist mother Elisabeth Frink RA and a French architect father, Michel Jammet, Ja...
Paper, Watercolor
$2,608
H 29.93 in W 43.71 in
Untitled, Series Comets - Contemporary Expressive Painting, Conceptual Art
Located in Salzburg, AT
The artwork is signed (see last photo) and will be shipped rolled in a tube. Urszula Wilk – artist statment: I have always been interested in the idea of infiniteness of a painting...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Elegant with fan - Poiret dress
By Jean-Gabriel Domergue
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
This elegant work by Jean-Gabriel Domergue (1889–1962) perfectly captures the glamour and sophistication of the Parisian woman that made the artist famous. Often called the painter o...
Charcoal, Watercolor, Gouache
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
Deep Plum Venus
By Shamona Stokes
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Deep Plum Venus, 2020, watercolor, ink, mirror paint, and salt on Arches paper. Venus of Willendorf, fertility goddess, pink, purple, black, silver...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Watercolor & ink Portrait - The Gardner
Located in Houston, TX
Cheerful watercolor and ink painting of a person tending to their garden chores, 1990s. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Archival plastic sl...
Ink, Paper, Watercolor
African Women in Market
By Stephane Magnard
Located in Houston, TX
Gathering of African women at market in watercolor of African Village by French artist Stephane Magnard, circa 1950. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold ...
Watercolor
$9,483
H 19.49 in W 12.41 in
Jean – Gabriel DOMERGUE (1889 – 1962), "Elegant Lady with Parasol and Dog"
Located in Paris, FR
Jean-Gabriel Domergue (1889–1962) was a renowned French painter and engraver, celebrated especially for his portraits of elegant women or, more precisely, a feminine figure in a styl...
Paper, Charcoal, Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil
Woman in Blue at Easel
Located in Houston, TX
Simple French pencil and watercolor painting of woman in blue working at easel, circa 1930. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Archival plastic ...
Watercolor, Pencil
Water Color Abstract - Figures at the Table
By Jean-Charles Lauthe
Located in Houston, TX
French painting in bright green, blue and yellow tones of someone sitting at a table by artist Jean-Charles Lauthe, 1971. Signed and dated lower right. Original artwork on paper dis...
Watercolor, Paper
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
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
H 12.64 in W 16.66 in
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, Figures on a Park Bench
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A characterful study of figures in an autumnal park, well presented in a card double mount and modern pale wood frame. Unsigned. On wove.
Watercolor
Sold
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
Sold
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
Sold
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