Ivy Theresa
Attwell (1895–1985) was a British painter and illustrator known for her lively
watercolours, gouaches, and oils, often inspired by her extensive travels.
A passionate and
independent traveller, Ivy frequently journeyed on cargo ships rather than
passenger liners, allowing her to visit less conventional ports across Africa,
the Indian Ocean, and other remote coastal regions. She painted harbours,
street markets, local people, wildlife, and everyday life, capturing scenes
from places such as the Seychelles and South Africa. Her work reflects close
observation and a documentary spirit, combining artistic skill with curiosity
about different cultures.
She was active in
the British art community, serving as chairman of the Devon Art Society, and
remained creatively active well into later life.
Ivy was also the
great-niece of famed illustrator Mabel Lucie Attwell, known for her charming
children’s book illustrations. While Mabel became internationally famous for
her sentimental and commercial art, Ivy developed a more travel-focused,
observational style rooted in firsthand experience abroad.
I have acquired a
number of watercolours by Ivy Attwell. This listing is for a single artwork, as
detailed below
Medium:
Watercolour on wove paper applied to card.
Signature: Unsigned.
Condition:
Reasonable condition, with age toning, a few very light foxing spots, several creases, slight staining to the right of the greens on the lower shelf and other minor surface
marks / blemishes.
Framing: Unframed
Painting size: 25.4cm x 17.7cm to paper edge.