Francis Danby, A.R.A. (Wexford, Ireland 1793-1861 Exmouth, Devon)

In 1846 Francis Danby settled in Exmouth; the present watercolour dates from much earlier, probably around 1815-18, within a few years of the artist's move from Ireland to England. Danby's early visit to Exmouth must have been made from Bristol, where he lived from 1813-1824. Since Danby notes that his view is from near the Globe Inn, it is possible this is where he stayed. The Globe, at The Strand, Lympstone, Exmouth, is still there and still in business. In the watercolour Danby has noted bathing machines, a lawn near the water's edge (neatly enclosed, presumably to keep out rabbits) and a beggar appealing to the occupiers of a smart carriage. These incidental details are recorded as carefully as the architecture and the topography, making the work a valuable social document as well as a fine watercolour.