Pictures

This scene by William Payne (1760-1830) is of Pottington Lime Kiln, Pilton, Barnstaple, Devon and shows Barnstaple Long Bridge in the background. It was produced using the technique by which Payne is best known - watercolour with a neutral tint composed of indigo, raw sienna, and lake called Payne's grey.

Payne, thought to have been a native of Devon, worked in the engineers' department at Plymouth Dockyard, and resided at Plymouth Dock (now Devonport) till 1790, when he came to London. The date of this painting is unknown but it could have been painted between 1810 and 1819 when Payne visited Barnstaple. The Barnstaple to Ilfracombe Railway was constructed along this bank of the River Taw, opening in 1874.

Thanks to Shaun Winfield for allowing us to include this painting in the archive.