Bakewell Bridge in Derbyshire Oil Painting

The much-admired English artist Constance Smith painted beautiful scenes like this one of the bridge over the River Wye in Bakewell, Derbyshire. Very little is known about this 20th century artist. There is a Facebook page dedicated to her and her art. She apparently painted predominantly landscapes, all of which are homages to the scenic area she lived in and obviously loved.

This oil on board depicts the 14th century arched stone bridge on the left, the spire of the Bakewell Church on the right and the town of Bakewell in the background. This painting was purchased directly from the artist at a stall in Bakewell Market, according to a handwritten inscription on the back. The woman who bought it was staying at the Mill Hotel (full name Bateman's Mill Hotel) and bought the painting as a memento of her holiday there. (The hotel is a converted 19th century corn mill that opened as a hotel in 1991. It's possible the painting was painted prior to that year.)

The framed measurements are 9 1/2 inches by 13 inches. The painting is mounted in a 3/4 inch wide wood frame with a matte finish. There is a hanging cord on the back, attached with brass loops, which appears to be sturdy; the artwork weighs only 18 ounces. Both painting and frame are in excellent condition, ready to hang and admire.

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