The image size of this print is 22 X 28 inches with ample margins.

BAYSWATER ON THE SERPENTINE by Philip Connard (1875-1958)

Connard came from Southport in Lancashire and worked originally as a house painter. Part-time evening classes resulted in a scholarship to the Royal College of Art , to study textile design. His training as a painter began in 1898 when, with the aid of a British Institute travelling scholarship, he enrolled at the atelier Julian.

On his return to London, Connard earned an income as illustrator for Bodley Head, and from teaching at Lambeth School of Art. From 1906 he became a regular exhibitor at the New English Art Club and at this point he developed his close friendship with Steer, later accompanying him on summer painting expeditions. No modernist, Connard developed as a landscape painter of often striking, brilliant effects and also as a portraitist; he was a founder-member of the national Portrait Society in 1911. In 1914 he joined the army but was invalided home after the battle of the Somme in 1916. He then served as an Official War Artist in the Royal Navy in 1918.

Most exhibitions of his work were staged at Coral Thompson's Barbizon House, where Steer also exhibited. Unlike his friend, however, Connard willingly entered the Royal Academy, becoming an ARA in 1918 and RA in 1925. His successes in the 1920's led to commissions for murals at Windsor and for the Viceroy's ballroom in Delhi. In later years, Connard like Steer, developed an interest in watercolour and its ability to capture light and atmosphere. From 1945-49 he was Keeper of the Royal Academy. He lived in Richmond from 1932 until his death.