John Varley (1778-1842) - Polesden Lacey: a picturesque gatehouse

Varley was commissioned by Joseph Bonsor to produce 8 watercolours of Polesden Lacey around 1831. Varley had first visited the sprawling Surrey estate in 1800 with Dr Monro before returning again when the estate was sold to Bonsor in 1816. The new owner built a villa on the site which was designed by Thomas Cubitt (1788-1855) which another work depicts. The group of watercolours Varley produced were held in Bonsor's family through descent until very recently. Several were sold through Christie's and others were sold through Bonhams (including ours). 
 
This watercolour depicts the gatehouse at Polesden Lacey and is a great example of Varley as a watercolourist. The gatehouse itself is reminiscent of the style of Girtin and Turner in the later 18th century. Polesden Lacey was left to the National Trust in 1942 and is one of their most visited sites.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, signed and dated l.r. 'J Varley 1831', 24.5 x 36.2cm, mounted.
 
Provenance: Joseph Bonsor, owner of Polesdon Lacey from 1824; and by family descent; Bonhams Old Master Paintings sale 23 October 2019, lot 211; Abbott & Holder (label verso).
 
Condition report: generally in good condition. Some general fading from time. Photos are taken in different lighting to try to show this. The mount is in good condition and has a small bump in the top right hand-corner.