Colonial Street Life

Watercolour and pencil grey wash heightened with white body colour

by Frank Dadd 1900.

Frank Dadd joined the staff of The Graphic newspaper in 1884, in the same year he became a member of The Royal Institute of Painters of Watercolours.

A prolific illustrator. This piece appears to have been won as a prize by one Sgt. William Tresidder in The Daily Graphic Prize National Rifle Association, Bisley and presented by the proprietors of The Daily Graphic dated 1900. See original label on reverse which accompanied this picture. Presumably the winner of said shooting competition was given an original artwork by one of The Daily Graphic illustrators. See further entry of 9th Sudanese Welcoming Camerons in Berber by Frank Dadd in original mount with similar label for the year 1898.

Highly unusual and interesting subject, beautifully executed professional illustration work on watercolour card showing a slight contretemps in the streets featuring a clash of well dressed locals meeting a dray.

This is an uncommon take on colonial life as it isn’t merely glorifying the heroics of white colonialists. Gleanings from fragments of old newspapers on reverse probably used in original framing but contemporary with the picture is much mention of South African affairs including the Welcome Home the Hero of Baden Powell in 1900 during which there were joyous riots in the streets and the city brought to a standstill. One can speculate that this drawing is somehow connected to these events and the sole white figure in the middle background in the pith helmet and tie may perhaps be Baden Powell himself. Further research within The Daily Graphic and The National Rifle Association or The Imperial War Museum will further reveal the story behind this picture.

Beautiful colonial period costumes, details of Trader’s names and exceptional treatment of the horses and figures typical of Frank Dadd’s work.

Presented in a fresh thick cut off white hinged conservation book mount with label attached to reverse. Extremely good condition for the age. Small scratch on the dray, clear possibly candle wax on bookseller’s signboard only visible under scrupulous inspection. White streak at top appears to be original paint mark often found on this type of illustration work.

Outside size measures 17.75 x 14 inches

Secure postage and packing £8.49

Royal Mail First Class Signed For with Insurance

International postage available upon request/arrangement