Lot 136: Louis H. Grimshaw (1870-1943)

Scarborough sands signed and dated 'Louis Grimshaw 1898' (lower right) and further signed, inscribed and dated 'Scarborough/Louis Grimshaw/1898' (on the reverse) oil on board 71/2 x 123/4 in. (19 x 32.4 cm.) NOTES John Atkinson Grimshaw, Louis' father, rented a house near Scarborough which he called 'The Castle by the Sea,' around 1876. Both artists undertook several works in the surrounding area. The town is situated on two bays separated by a rocky headland, seen in this picture, which has a ruined Norman castle at the land-end. Scarborough has been one of the most popular resorts in north-east England for over three centuries. This is largely due to the discovery of 'healing' mineral springs in the area in 1620, as well as the natural beauty of its setting. It became a fashionable spa resort by the end of the eighteenth century and many novels were set there such as Smollett's Humphrey Clinker (1771) and Sheridan's A trip to Scarborough (1777). Louis inherited his father's artistic talent and was the most successful of his followers. After his death, Louis continued the tradition of painting moonlit views of Leeds, Liverpool and Edinburgh. In 1906 he stopped painting so that he could pursue a career as a cartographer on the Manchester Guardian. As a result his work is now rare and does not often appear on the market. We are grateful to Alexander Robertson, Curator, Leeds City Art Gallery, for his help in the preparation of this catalogue entry.