Distant View of the Grove, Hampstead, 1822

John Constable RA (1776 - 1837)

RA Collection: Art

A label on the stretcher of this sketch, which is probably a copy of an original inscription by Constable, reads 29 July 1822 looking east 10 in the morning - silvery clouds. Contemporary London weather reports for 29 July 1822 state that it was a showery day with many fine large cumulus clouds, a report corresponding closely to the scene depicted by Constable.

This sketch was once thought to include the Hampstead landmark of The Grove (later known as 'The Admiral's House) because of the railings on the roof, which were a distinct feature of this building. However, Christopher Wade in the catalogue for the 1991 Constable exhibition at the Tate Gallery suggested that these railings are of the wrong type and that the building is more likely to be the nearby Grove House.

Further Reading

Constable, exh. cat., Tate, 1991, no. 116, p. 225