Over the coming months, I'll be having a huge clear out of items gathered over many years. The contents of my shed, attic and storage spaces all have to go. Once they are gone, they are gone.

This delightful study is titled "The Sign I Designed & Painted at Welcombe" and depicts the attractive hanging sign for The Old Smithy Inn, with a picturesque Devon cottage and colourful wildflower garden beyond. Unlike many of the artist's landscape studies, this painting records a sign that Victor Papworth himself designed and painted, making it a particularly interesting and personal work within this series.

The painting beautifully captures the warm summer colours of the North Devon countryside, with the inn sign standing proudly against rolling hills and an expansive sky. It offers a fascinating glimpse into both Papworth's landscape painting and his work as a commercial artist and signwriter.

The work is signed and dated by the artist in the lower right corner (1965) and is titled in pencil beneath the image.

Painted in gouache on artist's paper/card, this forms part of a charming series of original landscape studies completed by Victor Papworth during the 1960s.

Approximate dimensions:

• Overall sheet: 25.5 x 20.5 cm
• Painted image: approximately 14.5 x 10 cm

The painting is offered unframed, allowing the buyer to choose a mount and frame to suit their own interior.

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. This painting has been carefully stored in an album since it was painted and has never been displayed, meaning it has been protected from prolonged exposure to light. As a result, it retains its fresh, vibrant colours exceptionally well. There is only very light age-related handling and storage wear consistent with careful long-term preservation. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

A wonderful opportunity to acquire an original work by a listed British artist, documenting both the beautiful Devon countryside and one of Victor Papworth's own sign designs. An especially appealing piece for collectors of the artist's work, admirers of traditional pub signs, and those with connections to Welcombe or the North Devon and Cornwall border.

Please study all of the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. The painting will be carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely.