Paul and Thomas Sandby

by Luke Herrmann

In this new study of the Sanby brothers Luke Herrman undertakes a neccessary reappraisal of two artists who can both claim the title of 'Father of English Watercolour'. Paul Sanby (1731-1809), though sometimes out of fashion, has never been ignored. Thomas Sanby (1723-1798), although prominent in the art and architecture of the later eighteenth century, has been overshadowed in reputation by his younger brother. This monograph, besides re-assessment of both artists, provides a detailed catalogue of over 50 watercolours and drawings in the Victoria & Albert Museum and the important Carr Album, covering all aspects of the Sandbys' careers. The catalogue is preceded by accounts of the life and work of both brothers -- material which in the past has been difficult of access, or published in patchy and sometimes unreliable sources. Professor Herrmann demonstrates the substantial contribution of the Sandbys to British landscape and topographical art, with the help of research pursued over ten years in England and the United States.

175 pages, Hardcover

First published June 26, 1986

About the author

Luke Herrmann (1932 - 2016) read History at the University of Oxford (1952-55) before becoming Assistant Editor of the Illustrated London News.

From 1956-67 he worked in the Department of Western Art at the Ashmolean Museum before taking a lectureship at University of Leicester in 1967, eventually becoming Chair of the Department of History of Art.

Upon his retirement from the University of Leicester in 1986 he continued to contribute to the field as an independent art historian, through publications and public lectures.