Skip to main content

Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

British, 1881-1959

Harold Hope Read was born in Greenwich in 1881 and later lived in Lewisham in London, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, where he passed away in 1959. During his years in Tunbridge Wells, where he moved to in the 1930s, Hope Read lived an avant-garde lifestyle with his live-in housekeeper, life model and mistress, who we know only as Hilda. Here the artist became known as the Bohemian of Tunbridge Wells and his work is now acknowledged as the precursor of Edward Ardizzone (1900–79). It is from Hilda, that the present collection of works originates, after being passed down through Hilda's family after her death. Hope Read’s involvement with his patron, Charles Lambert Rutherston and fellow artists William Orpen (1878–1931) and Sir William Rothenstein (1872–1945) has been credited for inspiring the series of paintings and drawings he titled High Life. In this series, Hope Read depicts the wealthy and famous clientele of his colleagues in a lavishly detailed drawing style. Through this style, he conveyed the opulence of the members of high-society he encountered, including their luxurious costumes and grand interiors. Hope Read regularly submitted works to the Royal Academy's Annual Exhibition and exhibited works at the Alpine Gallery, the New English Art Club, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and the National Society of British Artists.

to
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
203
73
60
47
1
1
Artist: Harold Hope Read
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Framed Watercolour, A Walk in the Park
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A vibrant and characterful watercolour illustration by Harold Hope Read (1881-1959). Well presented in a complementing green and gilt frame. Unsigned. On laid.
Category

Early 20th Century Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Related Items
Original French Art Deco Gouache Illustration Drawing by J. Hilly
Located in Atlanta, GA
An original Art Deco illustration hand-painted with ink and gouache on paper. The drawing features two elegant women with large windows and drapery in the background. This image was ...
Category

1930s Art Deco Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Gouache

Philippe Noyer [Untitled] circa 1965 Signed Watercolor Portrait on Paper
By Philippe Henri Noyer
Located in Miami, FL
PHILIPPE NOYER – UNTITLED ⚜ Watercolor on Paper ⚜ Hand Signed Upper Right ⚜ Conservation Frame PORTRAIT STUDY IN WATERCOLOR Created circa 1965, this delicate watercolor by Philippe ...
Category

1960s Modern Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Portrait of a French Gentleman By Portrait Miniature Artist Daniel Saint
By Daniel Saint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Daniel Saint was a prominent French miniaturist who lived between 1778 and 1847. Born in Paris, Saint was the son of a jeweler and initially began his career as an apprentice in his father's workshop. However, he soon discovered his passion for painting and turned his attention to miniatures, which were highly popular in 18th and 19th-century Europe. Saint was a highly skilled artist and quickly gained a reputation for his miniature portraits, which were characterized by their delicate detail and fine brushwork. His works often featured prominent figures from French society, including members of the royal family and high-ranking officials. He also painted portraits of wealthy patrons, many of whom commissioned him to create highly personalized works. Saint's style was highly influenced by the neoclassical movement, which emphasized clarity, simplicity, and rationality. He often used a limited color palette, focusing on soft pastels and muted tones, which helped to accentuate the delicate features of his subjects. His compositions were typically centered around the face, with little background or context to distract from the subject. Despite his success as a miniaturist, Saint was not immune to the changing tastes of the art world. In the mid-19th century, photography began to gain popularity, and many artists who specialized in portraiture found themselves struggling to compete with the speed and accuracy of this new medium. However, Saint continued to work and develop his craft, adapting his style to the changing tastes of his clients and experimenting with new techniques and materials. In addition to his work as a miniaturist, Saint was also a skilled draftsman and created a number of highly detailed and intricate drawings and sketches. He was also known for his use of unconventional materials, such as hair, which he would incorporate into his miniature portraits to add texture and depth. Today, Saint's works are highly prized by collectors and are held in museums and private collections around the world. His legacy as a master of miniature portraiture lives on, and his influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary artists who specialize in this unique and challenging medium. More information: Artist: Daniel Saint (1778-1847) France Title: Portrait of a French Gentleman...
Category

Early 19th Century Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Siegfried
By Maxwell Armfield, RWS
Located in London, GB
MAXWELL ARMFIELD, RWS. (1882-1972) Siegfried Signed, inscribed and dated l.c.: MAXWELL ARMFIELD/MDCCCCIV [1904] PARIS;SIEGFRIED/ACT III Pencil and watercolour on paper Framed 24 by 16 cm., 9 ½ by 6 ¼ in. (frame size 42.5 by 34.5 cm., 16 ¾ by 13 ½ in.) Provenance: Fine Art Society, London, 1979. Born at Ringwood, Hampshire, of Quaker parents, his father being a milling engineer, Armfield studied at the Birmingham School of Art under Arthur Gaskin and Joseph Southall who taught him the tempera technique he was to practice for the rest of his life. In September 1902, after visiting Italy at the suggestion of Gaskin, he went to Paris, enrolling at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere and sharing a studio with three other students – Norman Wilkinson (also from Birmingham), Keith Henderson and the sculptor Gaston Lachaise. Returning to London the following year, he embarked on the series of one-man exhibitions that were henceforth to mark his career, showing first at Robert Ross...
Category

Early 1900s Pre-Raphaelite Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Siegfried
Siegfried
$5,508
H 9.45 in W 6.3 in
Bernard BOUTET DE MONVEL (1881 - 1949), "Portrait of Miss Lise Brissaud"
Located in Paris, FR
Bernard Boutet de Monvel was a French painter, sculptor, engraver, fashion illustrator and interior decorator. Although first known for his etchings, he earned notability for his pai...
Category

1920s Modern Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Pencil

Priest with Pregnant Woman
By Paul Muller
Located in Indianapolis, IN
Biography from Battledore Ltd Gallery: Paul Muller (Russian/American) was born in Estonia. At the age of 16 he joined the Russian Army where he was a musician with the "Labe Guard", ...
Category

1920s Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

ART
By Wes Olmsted
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original watercolor painting by Westley "Wes" Olmsted. This work is currently featured in the exhibition Man of Extremes at Benjaman Gallery in Buffalo, NY. Westley G. Olmsted (1934-2011) was a painter and sculptor. He was born in Buffalo, New York, and was a distant relative Frederick Law Olmsted...
Category

1970s Modern Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

ART
$1,750
H 28 in W 22 in
French Watercolor - Village Vendors at the Outdoor Market
By Stephane Magnard
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage watercolor in colorful jewel tones of local villagers selling their wares at an outdoor market by French artist Stephane Magnard (1917-2010), circa 1950. Original artwork on...
Category

1950s Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Bayus
By Nicholas Conrad Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original mixed media work by Contemporary American artist Nicholas Conrad Miller.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Archival Ink, Gouache, Watercolor

Portrait of a Young Man by Victorian artist George Elgar Hicks
By George Elgar Hicks
Located in London, GB
GEORGE ELGAR HICKS (1824-1914) Portrait of a Young Gentleman Signed and dated 1858 Watercolour and bodycolour, oval 30 by 25 cm., 11 ¾ by 9 ¾ in. (frame size 50 by 41 cm., 19 ¾ b...
Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

William Henry Barribal - 1920s British watercolour of a Girl in a Fancy Bonnet
By William Henry Barribal
Located in London, GB
WILLIAM HENRY BARRIBAL (1873-1956) Her Best Bonnet Watercolour and bodycolour over traces of pencil Framed 23.5 by 18.5 cm., 9 ¼ by 7 ¼ in. (frame size 42 by 36 cm., 16 ½ by 14 ¼...
Category

1920s Realist Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Elegant Lady with a Fan
Located in Paris, Île-de-France
Gérald Laffitte (19th–20th century) Elegant Lady with a Fan Watercolor on paper, 28 x 22 cm Provenance: Private collection Little is known about the life and career of Gérald Laff...
Category

Late 19th Century Impressionist Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Elegant Lady with a Fan
$1,442
H 11.03 in W 8.67 in
Previously Available Items
Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Early 20th Century Watercolour, Lady s Room
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A delightful watercolour painting with pen and ink by the artist Harold Hope Read. The scene depicts a room with several high society ladies, a typical subject in Read's work. Presen...
Category

20th Century Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Harold Hope Read (1881-1959) - Graphite Drawing, Portrait of the Artist s Lover
By Harold Hope Read
Located in Corsham, GB
A beautiful portrait of the artist's lover and housekeeper, Hilda. This is a stunningly intimate portrait, with Hilda seated in a softly lit interior, her eyes cast downwards. Laid t...
Category

20th Century Harold Hope Read Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite

Harold Hope Read portrait drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Harold Hope Read portrait drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Harold Hope Read in paint, watercolor and more. Not every interior allows for large Harold Hope Read portrait drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Peter Collins ARCA, Eliza Southwood, and Ernest Procter. Harold Hope Read portrait drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $398 and tops out at $398, while the average work can sell for $398.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed