Four late Victorian pocket sketchbooks containing around 350 vignettes and accomplished maritime sketches from Hastings and the South coast of England. ‘J T]Wilson / Hastings / Sept 1873’ is handwritten to the front free of one sketchbook, the signature ‘J Wilson’ is just visible to another’s binding and sketches in a third are signed, ‘J.[T] W. 1866’ - we have not identified the artist though his commitment to his art is clear and his technical skill considerable.
Two volumes are filled with maritime and landscape scenes captured in Hastings town and shore, Bexhill, Winchelsea, the harbour at Rye, and the St Leonard’s wreck of 1866. The volume dated 1873 contains solely preparatory images of the shoreline, sea-faring vessels and street scenes in Hastings and Rye including local characters. Pencilled notes indicate colours and light, and point to these images being the groundwork for final paintings to be completed in a studio setting.
The second 2 sketchbooks appear a little different in style and content although there is still a maritime theme. Dated 1880 and 1891 they contain vignettes and full page sketches which capture vessels on the Thames, ships’ rigging and masts, military uniforms, scenes on board the Lady Wodehouse, trees in Greenwich Park, the streets of London, Bargate Southampton, portraits, animals and buildings with links to West Sussex.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION : All four sketchbooks are in good condition only. The 1873 sketchbook has lost its spine covering and the lower board is detached; the leaves within remain sound; c100 leaves with sketches to versos and rectos. The 1866 volume contains c80 leaves with sketches to recto and versos. The 1880 sketchbook retains its original working clasp and pencil in its integral leather casing. The 1891 book has no covers. c 350 leaves of sketches throughout the 4 volumes.
