Museum of Island History
Past Exhibition
The Paintings of Samuel Howitt (1756/7-1823)
An exhibition of watercolour sketches from around the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
31 March 2007 – 2 November 2007
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In June 2002 the Isle of Wight Council, with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the
National Art Collections Fund, purchased 112 watercolour sketches by Thomas Rowlandson,
Samuel Howitt and others, of views made during tours to the Isle of Wight in the 1790s.
This remarkable collection came from Longleat House in Wiltshire; seat of the Marquesses of
Bath, where it was rediscovered in the library in 2 bound volumes during efforts to identify
items to be sold to help maintain Longleat’s many treasures.
This exhibition displayed the 23 original Samuel Howitt paintings from within the collection.
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Yarmouth from the harbour, looking up Quay Street.
This view looks up Quay Street showing the George Inn on the left, with its high-pitched
roof, and, on the right, the King’s Head which still exists today. Part of Yarmouth Castle is
visible to the left, and some interesting activity is seen associated with the small boats
landing at the beach.
roof, and, on the right, the King’s Head which still exists today. Part of Yarmouth Castle is
visible to the left, and some interesting activity is seen associated with the small boats
landing at the beach.
Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour. 1791
Purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Art
Collections Fund.
Collections Fund.
© Isle of Wight Council IWCMS.2002.95
The Castle and Village of Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight.
This view looks west across the northeast side of Carisbrooke Castle, showing the village
in the background. There has been a fortress on this site since at least Saxon times, but
the present castle was built in c.1100, when the Island was granted to the de Redvers
family.
The beautiful stone tower of Carisbrooke Church can be seen to the right of the painting.
Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour. 1791
in the background. There has been a fortress on this site since at least Saxon times, but
the present castle was built in c.1100, when the Island was granted to the de Redvers
family.
The beautiful stone tower of Carisbrooke Church can be seen to the right of the painting.
Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour. 1791
Purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Art
Collections Fund.
Collections Fund.
© Isle of Wight Council IWCMS.2002.127
Cowes Castle with bathing machines and the Grand Fleet,
Isle of Wight.
This view shows Cowes Castle with the bathing machines in the foreground of the
picture. Cowes Castle was constructed by Henry VIII as a fortification to protect the
mouth of the Medina River, and was manned by an officer and a gunner.
The land on the far side of the castle became known as The Parade following a review of
the troops in 1798. The area was also popular with bathers around 1800 and was used
for reasons of health and pleasure, which is reflected by the presence of the bathing
machines.
picture. Cowes Castle was constructed by Henry VIII as a fortification to protect the
mouth of the Medina River, and was manned by an officer and a gunner.
The land on the far side of the castle became known as The Parade following a review of
the troops in 1798. The area was also popular with bathers around 1800 and was used
for reasons of health and pleasure, which is reflected by the presence of the bathing
machines.
Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour. 1791
Purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Art
Collections Fund.
Collections Fund.
© Isle of Wight Council IWCMS.2002.158
Lower Ryde, Isle of Wight.
In this view of Ryde, we are looking westwards along the coast to the landing point for
the Portsmouth Ryde crossing. At this time Ryde remained a small fishing community, but
was soon to see major redevelopment in the early 19th century.
The building in the centre of the watercolour is probably the Passage Hoy Inn, (later
named The Bugle) which served as an unofficial ferry office. The timber on the shore is
the raw material used for boat building.
the Portsmouth Ryde crossing. At this time Ryde remained a small fishing community, but
was soon to see major redevelopment in the early 19th century.
The building in the centre of the watercolour is probably the Passage Hoy Inn, (later
named The Bugle) which served as an unofficial ferry office. The timber on the shore is
the raw material used for boat building.
Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour. 1791
Purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Art
Collections Fund.
Collections Fund.
© Isle of Wight Council IWCMS.2002.126
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LocationGuildhall High Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1TY 01983 823366 | Bookings and Enquiries Isle of Wight Heritage Service Guildhall Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1TY 01983 823433 | Opening TimesThe Museum of Island History is open throughout the year. Please contact 01983 823366 for Christmas opening times. Tue 10.30 – 4.00 Thur 10.30 – 4.00 |
Page last updated on: 25/08/2011
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