The Mail Cart by Samuel ‘Lamorna’ Birch

This month we feature a watercolour sketch on paper by Samuel ‘Lamorna’ Birch, an artist from based in West Cornwall around the turn of the 20th century.

About the artwork

This undated painting measures 55cm wide by 45 cm high. Most of the image comprises sky. The brush strokes creating the clouds are clearly visible, possibly applied quickly, to capture a moment of a darkening atmosphere. A watery feel to the application suggests imminent rain. Perhaps the painter, sitting ‘en plein air’ (outside) wanted to finish the painting before he was rained off.

The lower part of the painting, including the bridge and foreground, is gloomy. On the bridge is the mailcart in dark silhouette, going about its daily routine. No matter what the weather, the service goes on…

About the artist

Samuel John “Lamorna” Birch came originally from Cheshire. At the age of twelve, he was sent to work in the textile industry, but he sketched continuously, even at work. He successfully exhibited some of his artworks in Manchester City Art Gallery whilst he was still a teenager. He was a self-taught artist, except for a brief period studying art at the independent art school Académie Colarossi in Paris during 1895.

Lamorna Birch was the leading figure of the Lamorna colony of artists and writers. He was also well-connected with Newlyn School artists, including, Harold and Laura Knight and Alfred Munnings.

Acknowledgements

• National Portrait Gallery
• Penlee House Gallery https://penleehouse.org.uk/lamorna-birch/
• Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamorna_Birch