John Thomas Serres (1759-1825) - Kensington, London

John Thomas Serres was the son of the famous marine artist Dominic Serres (1722-1793). He followed in the footsteps of his father and became an accomplished artist in his own right. J.T. Serres is predominantly remembered for his large maritime works but  he was also skilled at painting landscapes. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy until 1808 before travelling to Scotland in November to 'evade his creditors'. [1]  This was due to an acrimonious separation from his wife who had blown most of their money through her life of extravagance.
 
Serres whilst in Edinburgh asked his sister Johanna to 'send me word how all are going on at Kensington'. [2] This shows his interest in Kensington (where he had lived) and also explains why he painted the picture we have for sale in 1808 just before he moved north of the border. It depicts a rural side of Kensington and also a church tower, which we have yet to identify.
 
Medium: Pencil with black and white chalk on paper, signed l.l. 'J.T. Serres 1808' and incribed upper left 'Kensington', 28.5 x 22.5 cm, mounted.
 
Provenance: Private collection, Australia.
 
Bibliography:
 
[1] Alan Russett, John Thomas Serres 1759-1825: The tireless enterprise of a marine artist, Sea Torch publishing: Lymington (2010), p.184.
[2] Ibid., pp.184-185.
 
Condition report: small tear in the upper left hand corner close to the 'Kensington' inscription. Some time staining obvious with a few small marks in the sky.