Early Spring, Gloucestershire 1922

Robert Austin made this pencil drawing, "Early Spring, Gloucestershire", in 1953, during a time of significant rebuilding and social re-evaluation in post-war Britain. The drawing depicts a tranquil scene, perhaps a commentary on the desire for peace and stability. The choice of Gloucestershire, a rural area, invokes ideas of an idealised, pastoral Britain, in contrast to the rapidly changing urban landscape. Austin's careful attention to the natural world is a clear visual code that references the importance of British identity being rooted in its landscape. Austin was a teacher at the Royal College of Art, a key institution in shaping British art. His style reflects the conservative values of this institution. Understanding the social context of post-war Britain, and the role of institutions like the Royal College of Art helps us to understand the values that are embedded in this artwork. The historian uses such knowledge to interpret the imagery as an important part of our cultural heritage.