Elisabeth Fairthorne - “Backwater” (1937)

Elisabeth Fairthorne – Backwater, Signed Oil on Board, Dated 1937, Framed

An original oil on board by Elisabeth Fairthorne, signed and dated 1937, depicting a tranquil riverside scene titled Backwater. The composition shows a quiet stretch of water with reflections, a footbridge, and a building partly screened by trees, capturing the calm and secluded atmosphere of a Thames-side backwater with considerable charm.

Painted during the interwar period, the work sits comfortably within the tradition of British landscape painting of the 1930s, combining careful observation with confident, painterly handling. Fairthorne’s brushwork gives the surface pleasing movement and texture, while the treatment of light across the water and foliage creates depth and a strong sense of place. The natural palette is harmonious and restrained, giving the picture both atmosphere and decorative versatility.

A particularly appealing feature of the painting is its full inscription to the reverse, which reads:
“Backwater (Shiplake, Henley, Marsh Lock) Elisabeth Fairthorne, 23 Vicarage Road, Henley, Oxon, 1937”

This detailed inscription provides excellent documentary interest, firmly anchoring the work to its Thames Valley setting near Henley-on-Thames and adding a strong sense of authenticity and local character. It transforms the picture from a generic landscape into a clearly identified view, rooted in a specific place and moment.

With its generous scale and quietly atmospheric subject, this is a highly displayable painting, well suited to both traditional and contemporary interiors. It would particularly appeal to collectors of British interwar landscapes, Thames Valley scenes, and original decorative paintings with strong period character.

Presented in a cream-painted wooden frame and fitted with hanging wire, ready to hang.

Details
Artist: Elisabeth Fairthorne
Title: Backwater
Medium: Oil on board
Signature: Signed lower right, “EF 37”
Inscription verso: Fully inscribed with title, location, address, and date
Unframed size: 64 × 82 cm
Framed size: 78 × 96 cm
Date: 1937
Condition: Good vintage condition overall. The paint surface is stable and presents well, with no active flaking or losses. There are two small historic holes to the top centre of the board, possibly from an earlier fixing, as shown in the photographs. A small area of historic retouching is present in the upper left, which is well executed and not easily noticeable under normal viewing conditions. The frame shows light age-related wear with some cracking to the corners.
Frame: Cream-painted wooden frame with hanging wire. Ready to hang.

This is a genuine one-of-a-kind original artwork, not a print or reproduction.