British Impressionism: Artists and Influences

Wilfrid de Glehn // Fishing // c.1932

British Impressionism, emerging in the late 19th century, adapted the French Impressionist style to capture the unique landscapes and social contexts of Britain. This artistic movement often flourished in seaside artist colonies, with painters like Wilfrid de Glehn and Stanhope Forbes at its forefront, blending French techniques with distinctly British themes and narratives.

Origins of British Impressionism

The late 19th century saw the emergence of British Impressionism as a response to the French movement. While sharing stylistic elements with its continental counterpart, such as an emphasis on light and colour, British artists infused their works with a distinct narrative depth reflecting the social and cultural milieu of Britain.

This adaptation found fertile ground in artist colonies of seaside towns like Newlyn and St Ives, where the clarity of light and unspoiled landscapes provided ample inspiration. The movement developed as a reaction to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, with artists seeking solace in depicting rural and coastal communities seemingly untouched by modernity.

Stanhope Forbes // Fish Sale on a Cornish Beach // 1885

Key Artists and Influences

Wilfrid de Glehn emerged as a central figure in British Impressionism, known for his vibrant landscapes and portraits that exuded nostalgia. Studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, de Glehn was heavily influenced by French Impressionism and worked closely with John Singer Sargent. Other notable artists included:

Stanhope Forbes, instrumental in establishing the Newlyn School.

George Clausen, whose works often depicted rural life with a soft, atmospheric touch.

Harold Harvey, the only Newlyn School artist native to Cornwall.

Arthur Hacker, who helped found the New English Art Club and is considered part of the avant-garde of Modernism.

These artists adapted French Impressionist techniques to suit British tastes, often maintaining a stronger adherence to traditional subject matter and infusing their works with narrative depth.

Sir George Clausen // View of a Lady in Pink standing in a Cornfield // 1881

Themes and Techniques

British Impressionists often explored themes of idyllic countryside, coastal scenes, and domestic life, employing techniques such as plein air painting to capture natural light and atmosphere. Artists like Wilfrid de Glehn used rapid, fluid brushstrokes and vibrant palettes to convey the fleeting beauty of their subjects.

The movement reflected a yearning for simplicity and a return to nature, contrasting with the industrialisation occurring in Britain at the time. This nostalgia for a simpler past was evident in works depicting rural and coastal communities as untouched by modernity, evoking a strong sense of place and emotional connection to the landscape.

Wilfrid de Glehn // Portrait of Roger Quilter

Legacy of British Impressionism

The enduring impact of British Impressionism extends beyond its historical context, influencing subsequent generations of artists and shaping public appreciation for landscape painting. Works by artists like Wilfrid de Glehn continue to be celebrated for their unique blend of light, colour, and narrative depth, offering a window into a bygone era of British life.

The movement's emphasis on capturing the essence of place and time has inspired contemporary artists to explore similar themes in their own work, adapting Impressionist techniques to modern subjects and mediums. Additionally, the preservation and exhibition of British Impressionist paintings in major galleries and museums have contributed to a renewed interest in this period of art history, fostering a deeper understanding of Britain's artistic heritage and its connection to broader European movements.