This oil painting on canvas depicts Holy Trinity Church and its surroundings in Exmouth in 1771. It was painted by British garden designer and landscape painter, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde (1720 - 1791).

Coplestone Warre Bampfylde

Coplestone Warre Bampfylde was a noted amateur artist, known particularly for his classical landscapes as well as bucolic scenes in the English countryside. He also entered the world of print-making, creating a small number of etchings, engravings and book illustrations, some of which were satirical. He also tried his hand at architecture, designing the Market House in Taunton which was built in 1772 and still stands today.

The artist exhibited his works at the Society of Artists, the Free Society of Artists, and the Royal Academy between 1763 and 1783.

Born at Hestercombe House in Somerset, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde came from a privileged background. His father, John Bampfylde was a politician and landowner who was part of the family of Bampfyldes of Poltimore (near Exeter) and North Molton. His mother was daughter and heiress of Sir Francis Warre, 1st Baronet, who lived at Hestercombe.

In 1750 Coplestone Warre Bampfylde inherited the property, and his creative interests were further broadened when he designed extensive developments to the grounds there, to great acclaim. The gardens are now listed as Grade 1 on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England and they are open to the public.

Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth

Holy Trinity Church, is found in Exmouth, Devon. Unfortunately the church which was painted by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde is no longer in existence, a new church having been built on the site in the early 19th century. So this painting plays an important role in providing a record of what both the church, and the surrounding vernacular architecture were like in the late 18th century. People who are familiar with Exmouth will know that Exmouth has changed significantly since the time this picture was painted.

Find out more

Discover the story of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde and his artistic talents, and see more of his works on Google Arts and Culture here.