I had a funny, but lovely, commission request recently for a traditional architecture & landscape scene to be given as a wedding gift. The subject was Highcliffe Castle in Dorset, the venue for a family wedding this August. Well this happens to be a place that I know extremely well, as we held our wedding at the same location back in 2012! It’s a beautiful setting within walking distance of the beach and it provides stunning views over to the Isle of Wight with it’s iconic Needles.
The grade 1 listed castle is also fascinating building. It has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century. It remained a family home until the 1950s but in the late 1960s two fires rendered the building derelict. Christchurch Borough Council purchased the ruin in 1977 to prevent further deterioration and the exterior has been gradually renovated, with the next round due to be finished in Spring 2019.
So here is my sunny illustration of Highcliffe Castle, painted with acrylic and ink on paper. The artwork itself is 39 x 29 cm, presented in a 60 x 50 cm frame before gift wrapping! I hope the happy couple enjoy their day as much as we did ours… wonderful memories and a joyful commission to work on.
Interested in exploring a commission? here’s a few details to get you started.