Cloisters, Beaulieu Abbey, Hampshire

Description

PRINT OF THE CLOISTERS, BEAULIEU ABBEY, HAMPSHIRE

Etched by Edward Cherry

Early C20th

An original etching on copper, by Edward Cherry FRSA, of the cloisters at the Cistercian Abbey of Beaulieu in Hampshire. Arthur and Edward Cherry are well known for their topographical etchings of English scenes, but their careers began in a family photography shop in St Albans. Read more about the Cherry Brothers of St Albans.

The early C20th print shows a view looking north towards the choir monks’ entrance to the abbey church from the cloister. On the right is the east side of the cloister, where rooms led to the administrative area of the abbey. The first three arches led to the Chapter House which formed the centre of the day to day management. The fourth arch led to the Vestry which held the vestments and plate used in monastic services but is now part of a private burial ground. The final arch led to the bookcase where the most frequently used books were stored.

The land of Beaulieu was a gift from King John to the Cistercian monks (Whitefriars) from Citeaux in France on the site of one of his hunting lodges. The abbey complex was constructed between 1204 and 1246 using stone from Binstead on the Isle of Wight and decorated with Caen stone and Purbeck columns. At 102 x 55 metres, the abbey church was the largest of all the Cistercian churches in England. 

Many of the main abbey buildings were destroyed in the Dissoution during the 1530s and Beaulieu was surrendered to the crown, whereupon it was transferred to the ownership of the Earl of Southampton, Sir Thomas Wriothesley. The Great Gatehouse became the centre of habitation and known as the ‘Palace House’ and was altered in the 1870s by Sir Arthur Blomfield in the Gothic style. The estate passed to the Dukes of Montagu in the C17th who continue their ownership today.

The print is in a good clean condition and it is hand-proofed and signed by the artist Edward Cherry in pencil. This print is presented in an ivory conservation quality mount and framed with a black and gold wood frame with acrylic glazing. Price – £45.00.

Approximate dimensions are:

Mount window: 90 x 150 mm

Frame overall size: 240 x 270 mm