The Old Water Mill

W.J. Neatby

April 1902 (written under signature in righthand corner)

Watercolour on paper

8 1/2" x 12 1/2"

Given by Neatby to his son Douglas

Writing on the back indicates that the mill is in Portpatrick, Scotland, close to the cemetery where Neatby's step-mother's mother ("Grandma Dempster") was buried. This is a lovely composition, with purity of line, colour and a great command of perspective. Its resonance may come from its family associations; it is like a childhood scene etched in the memory. — Jacqueline Banerjee

Image kindly provided by Ronald Neatby, great-grandson of the artist. [Click on the image to enlarge it.]