Painting of the Quarry – Update

Sandy Rich of Tregeagle Fine Art hands over the painting to Friends of Quarry members Richard Bradley (right) and Maurice East (centre)

A striking water colour by musician and artist William Crotch of an isolated old cottage in Headington Quarry has been bought by residents. The painting is inscribed and signed on the back in the artist’s hand stating it was painted at 7pm on 4 August 1800.

In a successful venture, Friends of Quarry organised a crowdfunding campaign to raise £850 to buy it. Local resident and committee member of the Friends, Richard Bradley, said “We thank all 23 residents who generously donated money to buy this historic painting. It is something to be treasured.” Art dealer Sandy Rich commented “I’m delighted the painting has been acquired by Friends of Quarry. It’s a picture so associated with Headington – not only because it’s a dramatic depiction of the area as it appeared in 1800 but because the artist has such strong connections with Oxford.”

The Friends of Quarry is arranging for copies of the painting to be displayed in public places for all to enjoy (locations to be decided). An unveiling and talk to the public by Sandy Rich and local historian Maurice East will give details of its historic and cultural significance.

The name ‘Crotch’ will be familiar to many residents of Oxford as Crotch Crescent in Marston is named after him. Although an amateur and much collected painter, Dr William Crotch is more famously known as a musician.  He the first Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, organist of Christ Church Oxford in 1790 and became Professor of Music at Oxford in 1797.

About William Crotch

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.