Attributed to John Bowen (died 1773), North East prospect of Shrewsbury, oil on canvas, 68.5 x 182cm, frame 76 x 191cm
Note: John Bowen was the son of an artist and well regarded for his architectural accuracy, exemplified by this painting and a number of his other works in Shrewsbury Museum's collection. It is worth noting that Saint Julian's (with a tower), Saint Mary's and Saint Alkmund's Church (from left to right in the centre) are all shown as one would expect of an 18th century depiction, but more interestingly, Old Saint Chads Church is shown to the left of this group, before its tower collapsed on 8th July 1788. Given the new English Bridge, that was built from 1769-1774, is not evident and nor are the changes to the Abbey (on the far left), which lost its southern aspect following Thomas Telford's London Road construction, this depiction must pre-date 1769, but as yet, a more precise date has yet to be ascertained for this aspect.
We are grateful to Shrewsbury Museum for their assistance and help in cataloguing this lot.
Label verso- loaned by Rev. J.T. R----, Baschurch Vicarage. Rev J.T. Ryder was a vicar of Baschurch from 1883-1912