John Varley (1778-1842) - Bala Lake and Cader Idris in the distance

Some of Varley's best watercolours are his depictions of North Wales and in particular Snowdon. Bala Lake also was a subject of Varley's early work and a close copy of a watercolour by Thomas Girtin c.1800-1 of this title is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. [1]
 
Our watercolour has a strong provenance with a recent Abbott & Holder label verso. It is very likely the exhibited watercolour 'Bala Lake' at the Old Watercolour Society's exhibition in 1815 numbered 126. It is a highly detailed work by Varley and superb example of his skill in this medium.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, according to later inscription verso 'Varley signed, inscribed and dated 'N Wales/View of Bala Lake & with Cader Idris in the distance 1815' on a fragment of old backing paper attached to the backboard', 27.9 x 45.7cm, framed (50 x 67cm).
 
Provenance: Most likely exhibited at the Old Watercolour Society in 1815 as number 126 'Bala Lake'; Fine Art Society, 1945; Phillip's 'Oil Paintings & Watercolours' sale, 4 July 1991, lot 40; Abbott and Holder (label verso).
 
Literature:
 
[1] C.M. Kauffmann, 'John Varley (1778-1842)', Butler & Tanner Ltd: 1984, pp.102-103.
 
Condition report: generally in very good condition. Small amounts of ageing obvious on the edges of the watercolour and around the mountains (please see photos). Small mark on glass in the top left hand-corner of the watercolour.