16th Sep, 2026 12:00
London | Ancient & Modern
9
DAVID MUIRHEAD (BRITISH 1867-1930)
BATTERSEA REACH
signed David Muirhead and dated 1917 lower right
oil on canvas
54.5 x 70cm (71.5 x 87cm framed)
Provenance
Sale, David Lay, Penzance, 25th October 2018, lot 11
David Muirhead lived on Cheyne Walk and executed a number of atmospheric views of the nearby Thames. These river views show the clear influence of his neighbour James McNeill Whistler, whom he had known as a fellow member of the New English Art Club. The gentle hum and clang of industry rings through the picture, with docks and wharves on both banks of the river. London's sprawl is evocatively expressed here with the skyline broken up by chimney stacks and church spires, a quiet and understated vantage point into the past. Perhaps more poignantly the industry depicted should be seen in the context of the intense war effort of 1917. Necessity had quickly encouraged light industry westward from the traditional manufacturing heartlands of Woolwich and Newham, and from Chelsea to Wembley more and more engineering hubs sprang up.
At least two known paintings of Battersea Reach by Muirhead exist from 1917, the present work and another slightly larger version viewed from a lower vantage point on the river, which belongs to the Tate.
Sold for £1,500
BATTERSEA REACH
signed David Muirhead and dated 1917 lower right
oil on canvas
54.5 x 70cm (71.5 x 87cm framed)
Provenance
Sale, David Lay, Penzance, 25th October 2018, lot 11
David Muirhead lived on Cheyne Walk and executed a number of atmospheric views of the nearby Thames. These river views show the clear influence of his neighbour James McNeill Whistler, whom he had known as a fellow member of the New English Art Club. The gentle hum and clang of industry rings through the picture, with docks and wharves on both banks of the river. London's sprawl is evocatively expressed here with the skyline broken up by chimney stacks and church spires, a quiet and understated vantage point into the past. Perhaps more poignantly the industry depicted should be seen in the context of the intense war effort of 1917. Necessity had quickly encouraged light industry westward from the traditional manufacturing heartlands of Woolwich and Newham, and from Chelsea to Wembley more and more engineering hubs sprang up.
At least two known paintings of Battersea Reach by Muirhead exist from 1917, the present work and another slightly larger version viewed from a lower vantage point on the river, which belongs to the Tate.
Auction: London | Ancient & Modern, 16th Sep, 2026
London is a city which has had a greater impact on culture around the world than almost any other, and it has never been more important than now to shine a light on its remarkable citizens and history. From Magna Carta to the television London has, again and again, been the source from which progress has radiated. The present sale takes us from a medieval spur found under Cannon Street station, to a medal minted to commemorate the Millennium, from prints and paintings, to clocks and pistols. This sale is a sensational opportunity to acquire a small piece of this incomparable place. Olympia is a proudly London-based auction house and we are thrilled to be offering the inaugural instalment of this sale.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 13th September: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 14th September: 10am to 8.00pm (Drinks from 5pm)
Tuesday 15th September: 10am to 5pm
