SIR FRANK BRANGWYN (BRITISH, 1867-1956)
The Bridge (Pont Vieux, Albi, France)
signed with initials 'FB' (lower right)
oil on board
50.7 x 71.7 cm. (20 x 28 1/2 in.)

Provenance
The artist, from whom commissioned by
The Cooling Galleries Ltd., London
With Thompson's Gallery, Aldeburgh, where purchased by
Private Collection
Their sale; Woolley & Wallis, Sailsbury, 26 August 2020, lot 254, where purchased by the present owner

Frank Brangwyn was born in Bruges, Belgium, to an English father and a Welsh mother. In 1874, the family relocated to London, where his father found work as a designer of buildings, embroideries, and furniture. Despite having little formal education, Brangwyn was mentored by three influential figures in design at the turn of the century: Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo, William Morris, and Siegfried Bing.

Brangwyn was an independent artist, known for his experimentation and innovation across a vast array of mediums and scales. His body of work includes murals, oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, and designs for architecture, interiors, stained glass, furniture, carpets, ceramics, jewellery, book illustrations, bookplates, and commercial posters. It’s estimated that he produced over 12,000 works during his lifetime.

Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) in Albi, France, constructed in 1035, is one of the oldest bridges in the country, reflecting its medieval origins and strategic importance in facilitating trade and movement over the Tarn River. Its robust stone construction and series of enduring arches highlight the skill of its builders.

Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone modifications and repairs to maintain its structural integrity, ensuring its preservation as a historical monument. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, Pont Vieux is a significant cultural and tourist attraction, offering scenic views of Albi’s skyline, including the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral.

Primarily serving pedestrians today, the bridge remains a symbol of Albi’s rich history and heritage, linking the present to its medieval past. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on preserving its structural integrity while respecting its historical significance, ensuring it remains a treasured landmark for future generations.