JOHN ATKINSON GRIMSHAW | The Pool and London Bridge at Night

Mrs. K. Andrews (and sold: Christie's, London, June 5, 1981, lot 58)
Sale: Sotheby's, London, December 13, 1989, lot 82 
Richard Green Fine Paintings, Ltd., London (acquired by 1989)
Private Collection, North America
Richard Green Fine Paintings, Ltd., London (acquired by 1996)
Private Collection, North America
Richard Green Fine Paintings, Ltd., London (acquired by 1998)
Private Collection, North America (and sold: Sotheby's, London, November 10, 1999, lot 142)
Willow Gallery, London
Wally Findlay Galleries, New York
Acquired from the above 

Inscribed and signed by a newer hand to recreate original inscription and signature before relining: 'The Pool and London Bridge at night-', signed 'Atkinson Grimshaw-', and dated '1884+' (on the reverse) The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This work is in beautiful condition. The canvas has an English lining. The inscription on the reverse of the original canvas has been transcribed onto the back of the lining. The surface is very attractive. The paint layer is clean. No abrasion or weakness has developed within the work, even in the details in the river. No retouches are apparent under ultraviolet light. It is recommended that the work be hung as is
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The industrial majesty of the Thames energized and inspired nineteenth century artists from J.M.W. Turner to Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley to James McNeill Whistler. Just as each of these artists established a trademark style, John Atkinson Grimshaw was renowned for his iconic and atmospheric moonlit scenes and adored by Victorian audiences. In the mid-1880s, he turned his attention to the historic river for a series of works, of which The Pool and London Bridge at Night is a superlative example. Grimshaw’s artistic ingenuity was much admired by his contemporaries, and Whistler himself remarked: "I considered myself the inventor of Nocturnes until I saw Grimmy's moonlit pictures" (as quoted in Lionel Lambourne, Victorian Painting, London, 1999, p. 112). 

In The Pool and London Bridge at Night, deep darkness is permeated by the soft, broken glow of the full moon piercing the clouds. The bustle of the docks is stilled by the late hour; the only movement in the entire composition is that of the oarsmen on the barges at right, hauled by a steam-tug towards the docks. Grimshaw expertly manipulates light—both of the moon and reflections of gas lamps extending over London Bridge in the distance— to reveal the warehouses, merchant ships and barges lining the river, important symbols of the largest and most industrialized city of the time.