Bridge and Waterfall near Llyngwellyn (ink & w/c on laid paper)

Many of Francis Towne's most outstanding watercolours result from his visit to Wales in 1777. This view shows a waterfall on the River Lledr, close to Llewellyn Peak. The paper shows a fold line, which indicates that Towne probably folded sketching pages in a portfolio, rather than using a sketchbook. Outlines in fine pen with thin washes of transparent colour create a stylised design in Towne's characteristic manner. White paper has been left bare for the tumbling water of the fall. Francis Towne worked as a drawing master in Exeter, Devon. He later moved to London.