🏛️ ARCHITECTURE & HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Seeing Buildings Through an Architect's Eye Architecture was more than a subject for John Rees-Jowett. His professional life as an architectural technician and draughtsman gave him an understanding of perspective, proportion, structure and detail that became deeply embedded in his artwork. Across the surviving collection, historic buildings are recorded not simply as landmarks, but as carefully observed structures within the places and communities around them. From grand civic architecture to ancient streets, market buildings, bridges and individual historic properties, John's work preserves both the character of the building and the character of its setting. Explore the Collection The works below form part of the growing John Rees-Jowett Collection. As the archive continues to be catalogued, further paintings, prints and related material will be added.
The Tower of London. Viewed from the River Thames, London. John Rees-Jowett. A carefully observed architectural study of one of Britain's most recognisable historic landmarks, viewed across the River Thames. Rees-Jowett's treatment combines architectural detail with the softer character of watercolour, placing the ancient fortress within its riverside setting.
Eastgate Clock Eastgate Street, Chester, Cheshire. John Rees-Jowett. One of Chester’s most distinctive landmarks, captured by Rees-Jowett with particular attention to the ornate clock structure and the historic streetscape surrounding it. The work reflects his fascination with architecture not simply as individual buildings, but as part of the character and identity of a place.
Saint George’s Hall. Saint George’s Plateau, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside. John Rees-Jowett. A finely observed study of one of Liverpool’s great civic buildings. Rees-Jowett’s architectural approach is particularly well suited to the Hall’s monumental classical form, capturing its scale, symmetry and commanding presence on Saint George’s Plateau.
Medieval Town Hall. Tetbury, Gloucestershire. John Rees-Jowett. A characterful study of Tetbury’s historic town hall, capturing the distinctive architecture at the heart of this old Gloucestershire market town. Rees-Jowett’s watercolour treatment balances careful architectural observation with the softer character and atmosphere of the surrounding townscape.
Ripon Cathedral. Viewed from Kirkgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire. John Rees-Jowett. A view from Kirkgate towards the historic Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Wilfrid. Rees-Jowett places the cathedral within its surrounding streetscape, combining the scale and architectural character of the building with the perspective of approaching it through the city.
The Rows and City Cross, Chester
John Rees-Jowett’s detailed architectural study of Chester’s historic Rows and City Cross, capturing the distinctive timber-framed buildings and elevated walkways at the heart of the city.
The work demonstrates Rees-Jowett’s characteristic attention to architectural detail, recording both the structure and street character of one of Chester’s best-known historic settings.
Archive reference: JRJ 088
Subject: The Rows and City Cross
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Collection: John Rees-Jowett Collection Archive