The House Builders

The House Builders is one of Dicksee's most renowned works dating from 1880 and was commissioned by Sir Willaim W Welby-Gregory, also a well know artist at this time.

This oil on canvas depicts Welby-Gregory himself accompanied by a seated Lady Welby-Gregory. As the naming of the painting dictates, off centre of an ornately, decorated table-cloth is a detailed, architectural model of Denton Hall which was rebuilt between 1879 and 1883. The pinkish roof lifting from the stony fascia. At the forefront of this piece the immaculately dressed Lady Welby-Gregory holds and is surrounded by hand drawn plans of the building before her. She is dressed in an opulent, velvet, burgundy dress which flows richly to the floor whilst her golden ruched sleeves avert your eyes to her frilly ivory blouse adorned with a necklace. A glint of importance shines on her left hand in the form of an engagement and wedding ring cleverly emphasised by Sir Frank Dicksee's artistry.

In stark contrast Sir William wears a look of concern and a furrowed brow. His unkempt greying beard seems to blend naturally with his neutral clothing, accentuated only by a small floral coursage on his brown jacket. The lapels of a black garment peer their way out and he leans on the table before him with a look of trepidation. To the left of the table two books sit in front of the grand entrance of the model. The paper covered book is very well used and its tattered edges evident whilst on top sits a more robust hard back, its golden spine lighting this book. At the forefront of the table a bright posy clash with the table cloth below.

An ornate, ebony Herman Doomer cabinet sits darkly in the background behind Sir Welby-Gregory and to the right some fresh foliage and lily's sit almost like their own painting in a tall, bulbous vase. The vase swirled with blues and greys bringing a brightness to the corner. This grand, detailed oil painting stands at 138.4cm x 156.2cm and had been exhibited around the world before being purchased by a private collector.

Exhibitions include:

• Royal Academy, London
• Royal Jubilee Exhibition, Manchester
• Victoria & Albert Museum, London
• National Gallery of Art, Washington DC