William Frome Smallwood (1806–1834) was a British artist known for his precise and atmospheric architectural watercolours and drawings. Born on June 24, 1806, and passing away on April 22, 1834, he lived only 27 years but produced a remarkable body of work that focused almost exclusively on architectural subjects. His favored themes included cathedrals, churches, and cityscapes, particularly those found in European cities during the early 19th century.
His art is characterized by an exceptional attention to detail and a refined, delicate touch. He often used watercolour and pencil to create views that are both technically impressive and artistically compelling. Among the locations he depicted are Rouen, Westminster, Brussels, Lisbon, Abbeville, and Aix-la-Chapelle, offering a cross-section of Europe’s architectural heritage as seen through a highly trained eye.
Smallwood’s work has been preserved in major art institutions and continues to be appreciated for its historical value and craftsmanship. Even long after his death, his drawings and paintings have appeared in exhibitions and been sold at auctions, reflecting a lasting interest in his visual documentation of 19th-century architecture.
Although his career was short, the precision and beauty of his work ensure that he remains a noteworthy figure in the field of British architectural art.
NOTE: To our knowledge, Smallwood never painted in Caudebec-en-Caux (now called Rives-en-Seine) itself, instead he painted in the nearby Jumieges.
Jumieges
The village of Jumieges (population: 1,800) is dominated by its abbey (in ruins), and it is located to the South/East of Caudebec-en-Caux and to the West of Rouen.
???? – William Frome Smallwood – Abbey ruins
Today, the ruins of Jumièges Abbey remain standing and are open to visitors.
Today: The ruins of the Jumieges Abbey
This was the only painting we found that he made near Caudebec-en-Caux in Normandy.
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