Sax Shaw (1916 - 2000) was one of Scotland's finest tapestry, stained glass and watercolour artists.
He was born in Yorkshire in 1916 and studied at Huddersfield School of Art between 1936 and 1938. Although offered a place at the Royal College of Art in London, he instead chose to study at Edinburgh College of Art, which at the time had the leading stained glass department in Great Britain.
He designed many stunning stained glass windows for Scottish churches - and was responsible for implementing a dynamic, modern development in tapestry design at the Dovecot Studio in Edinburgh.
Sax made his first visit to France in 1947 on a scholarship and made many subsequent trips to the country.
He made many watercolour studies on these trips - including this one. It is a very broadly painted study of the Pont Neuf in Paris dating to 1950. Sax has rapidly jotted down the form of the bridge and manages to capture is the essential structure with his bold lines and quick washes of colour.
It was later exhibited at the Torrance Gallery in Edinburgh in 1983.
It is sold in a metallic gold-tone frame - the frame measures 43 x 53cm. The image is 31 x 41.5 cm
It has been painted by Sax "on the spot" in the 1950s - and the scene was quickly captured on a thin sheet of paper - as a sketch it is in generally fine condition - there are some date-related light creases to the fine paper - but seen on close inspection in raking light. The painting displays well. Given the importance of Sax Shaw in Scottish Design history - this rarer early work by him is listed at a very fair price. Would look fabulous in a mid-century modern interior.
The Pont Neuf (or New Bridge) is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine in Paris, France.
If you want more information about Sax Shaw: I would certainly recommend viewing the following fascinating documentary about him posted online.
Here is the link - enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yys1LYtvagk
UK Postage with Parcelforce24 will be about £14 and this will be applied to your order at the check out.