‘Harvesting in Surrey’ by George Cole RBA (1810-1883).

The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1864 in which year it was exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists in London.

Academy Fine Paintings only offers artwork for sale in the finest condition it can be for its age, having been professionally cleaned, conserved, and re-varnished. Clients should also note that tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.

George Cole was one of Victorian Britain’s most successful landscape painters although most of his early work comprised animal portraits. Cole’s first important patron was the British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel. He first exhibited in London in 1838 at the Suffolk Street Gallery of the Society of British Artists and made his debut at the Royal Academy in 1849. The following year he was be elected a member of the Society of British Artists, and later its Vice-President in 1867.

Cole’s son George Vicat Cole who was taught by his father went on to become a Royal Academician and one of the late 19th century’s finest landscape painters. In the latter’s biography, George Cole was remembered as “a man of great capabilities and force of character. His native genius raised him from an obscure position to an honourable place in the ranks of English artists.”

Following his death in September 1883, George Cole’s obituary in The Times remembered him as “a notable example of one who, though commencing life in a dull provincial town, unassisted by a master or any regular art education yet by perseverance and hard work, fought his way to, and won, eminence.”

Between 1838 and 1883 Cole exhibited 223 at the Royal Society of British Artists, 19 at the Royal Academy, and 35 at the British Institution in London. Today, paintings by George Cole can be found in the collections of Manchester City Galleries, Museums Sheffield, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Dimensions: (framed) 70cm x 95cm (27½” x 37½”)

Dimensions: (canvas only) 50½cm x 77cm (20” x 30”)

Medium: Oil on canvas.

Provenance: 1864; exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists. 1896; sold at Robinson & Fisher Auctioneers, London, seller Edward Priestman (Bradford mill owner) buyer Herbert A.K. Gribble (architect of Brompton Oratory) for £372 (£40,000 equiv. 2023). Thence in private UK collection.

Presentation: Newly commissioned bespoke gold metal leaf frame. All of the new frames we commission are especially made for us to order by one of the UK’s top period frame makers.

Condition: Very good. Newly professionally cleaned, restored,