The Artists

Elizabeth Parsons

ELIZABETH PARSONS
THE THAMES AT ISLEWORTH, c.1869

ELIZABETH PARSONS
Born England 1831, arrived Australia 1870, died 1897

THE THAMES AT ISLEWORTH, c.1869
watercolour on paper, 40 x 67.5 cm
Private Collection

The first thing that strikes you about this work, is its size. It shows that Elizabeth Parsons knew that she was capable of handling a large watercolour, and was confident with her medium even at this early stage of her career.

It was painted close to where she was born in Isleworth, and may have been painted as a reminder of her birthplace, a nostalgic work, or a keepsake to take with her to Australia. She may also have produced this and her works of Cornwall as the makings of a professional folio, to be shown to members of the art establishment in Australia, on her arrival.

Left: Arthur Streeton - Above Us The Great Grave Sky, 1890
Collection: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.