Headington Quarry Painting Appeal – Objective Achieved

Update: Thanks to the generosity of local residents and other supporters, we have achieved our funding objective. The appeal remains open until 14 December – any additional funds raised will be used to create high-quality copies to allow it to be displayed in more locations. We are now agreeing a location to display the painting – we will update you in due course

We need your help to bring this unique piece of history home
Can you contribute £10, £25, or more? Target £850

Size 17cm x 41cm

This striking water colour by William Crotch of a house in Headington Quarry has recently come on the market. It is inscribed and signed on the back in the artist’s hand stating it was painted at 7pm on 4 August 1800.

Because this painting has historical significance for the residents of Quarry, Friends of Quarry is organising a ‘crowd fund’ to raise the money to buy it. It will then be displayed in a public place for all to enjoy (location to be decided).

The art dealer has priced the painting at £1100 but is prepared to sell it for about £850 if bought by a community group. To donate, go to the crowdfunding website or telephone 07802 215517 by 14th December.

Note about the artist:
Dr William Crotch was famous as a musician and as the first Principal of the Royal Academy of Music. He was appointed organist of Christ Church Oxford in 1790 and became Professor of Music at Oxford in 1797. Crotch Crescent in Marston is named after him.
At Oxford, William Crotch became acquainted with the artist, musician and folksong collector John Malchair (1730-1812) who was one of 18th century Britain’s most influential drawing masters. Crotch followed Malchair’s practice of recording the exact time and date when pictures were painted. Shortly after moving to London in 1805, Crotch became friends with John Constable (1776-1837). It is highly likely that Constable began his custom of inscribing sketches with the times and dates of their creation through following Crotch’s example.