Description
Another view of the same tower by Varley, dated 1811, is in the Manchester City Art Gallery (see Adrian Bury, John Varley of the `Old Society’, 1946, ill. pl.38).
Lilburn tower, named after John de Lilburn lies near the north end of the west wall of Dunstanburgh Castle. The castle was begun in 1313 by Thomas, Earl of Leicester, the wealthiest nobleman in England. However, following his part in the baron’s revolt against his cousin, Edward II, he was executed in 1322 and the castle fell into the King’s hands. Lilburn Tower was constructed in 1322 and is named after John de Lilburn, who served as joint Constable of the castle between 1322 and 1323. By the late 15th Century, the castle began to fall into disrepair and over the ensuing centuries became a dramatic ruin popular with artists and tourists, including J. M. W. Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Varley amongst others, in search of dramatic subjects.
Inscription
Signed lower right: J. Varley/1823
Descriptive Medium
Watercolour over traces of pencil heightened with touches of bodycolour and stopping out
Image Licence
All Rights Reserved
Image Credit
image © Guy Peppiatt Fine Art
Location
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Country
England
Tags
Category
Buildings & Architecture
