Kate Greenaway was an illustrator and author best known for her children’s books. Her first picture book Under the Window published in 1879 sold 100,000 copies in her lifetime, garnering her an international reputation. In 1885 Greenaway commissioned architect Richard Norman-Shaw to design a studio-house on Frognal Lane, Hampstead and she lived there up until her death in 1901. Towards the end of her life her book sales were declining, and she began producing watercolours, exhibiting them at the Fine Art Society. This painting probably dates from that period. The picture came from the collection of Linley and Marion’s son-in-law Leonard Messel and was added to Sambourne House sometime after he died in 1953.
Late 19th century
Paper, watercolour
21.0 x 31.0cm
ST/P/155
Image and text © The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London.
Where you'll find this
Sambourne House
Permanent collection