The Barn, Wormingford, 1954

John Nash RA (1893 - 1977)

RA Collection: Art

After the Second World War, John Nash settled at Bottengoms Farm at Wormingford, Essex, a secluded village in the Stour Valley. Nash appreciated the particular light and atmosphere of the area around Wormingford and made many painting expeditions into the local countryside. Situated just upstream from 'Constable Country', the area is characterised by modest uplands and dense hollows.

Nash rarely attempted to paint directly from nature, preferring to work in the constant light of his studio from the sketches and watercolours made on the spot. Judging by the artist's viewpoint in 'The Barn, Wormingford', this was one of the scenes from his studio on the top floor of his cottage, looking down over his garden to the farmland beyond.