Drawing of Flatford Mill

Flatford Mill

Last weekend was my first visit to Flatford to see the scenery that England's very own treasure - John Constable painted. The site still held its charm for the artist - especially in the autumn when the trees are so much more destinctive - some naked - some in their best orange and gold and some holding on to their finest greenery.

This drawing of Flatford Mill is located just at the end of the Haywain and opposite Willy Lott's Cottage. On my day the sun was bright and warm and perfect for capturing the lovely scene casting dark shadows describing the form of the building. There are more to come from this special place and I can't wait to get started on the next.

I must say that I was rather disappointed that the National Trust either instigated, or allowed, an eyesore of a flat roofed modern cafe to bully and spoil the view across the river to Bridge Cottage, and adjacent to the dry dock - both subjects of Constable's famous paintings. It has all the subtlety (and appearance) of a Normandy gun emplacement. They had already built a visitor's centre and car park with toilets out of sight so why not house the toilet-less cafe there? Can there be anywhere worse than plonked in the middle of some of England's best loved vistas.

We need to better preserve our heritage for all.

Please choose original drawing or hand signed print:

A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP Original 12" x 9" sketch £125.00 GBP

Flatford Mill, Suffolk illustration

Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012   

FYI: The unfortunate siting of the cafe blocking the view 

Drawing of Beccles

Drawing of Beccles

Beccles is a lovely market town on the River Waveney in Suffolk.

I had moored up here and visited the town by foot. Perched on a hill Beccles is most interesting and picturesque with its independent shops and twisty streets. This drawing of Beccles I sketched is of Blyburgate which I have since learnt is part derived (gate) taken from the Old Norse for 'street'. So its seems the Vikings have visited this part of England and left their mark.

To the left is the local Pet Stores and the Marmalade Tree shop is a little further up the hill, which eventually leads up toward the Church - my focal point for this drawing.

It was during this visit that I proposed to my now wife during a golden sunset at the marina, surrounded by a brood of rather puzzled ducks. Beccles will always be in our hearts.

Please choose original drawing or hand signed print: A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP Original 12" x 9" sketch £125.00 GBP

Illustration of Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk.
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012 

Drawing of Lavenham Market Square

Lavenham Suffolk

My wife and I visited Lavenham, Suffolk a couple of years back and stayed in an excellent Guest house called Highfield House, run by a very charming couple. Its a great place to ramble and every street corner greets you with a Medieval building or pretty scene for an drawing of Levenham.

I was particularly taken in by the wall in the Swan Public House, which had scribblings and signatures of allied airmen stationed locally, penned during the Second World War. Some of those brave men of the RAF and USAAF 487 Bombardment Group wouldn't have come back after making their mark even more touching. We remember them - especially with Remembrance day looming.

Fitting perhaps that this illustration captures a memorial in it's foreground.

We enjoyed some of Suffolk's best brew outside the Angel Hotel - Aspall Cider - bathed in a little sunshine in the market square of this quintessential English village. Bliss.

Well worth a visit - time stood still.

Please choose A4 Print (hand signed) £14.99 GBP Original 12" x 9" sketch £125.00 GBP

Illustration of Angel Inn, Market Square, Lavenham, Suffolk.
Hand signed and annotated A4 Print of pen and ink illustration on 90lb watercolour paper £14.99
Original 12" x 9" pen and ink illustration on 140lb watercolour paper £125
© Robert R Wisdom www.theartofengland.co.uk 2012