Oils on board, 21"x18", signed by Joseph Alfred Terry; bears Christies Studio Sale stamp from 1986 (Lot 350). Although later than the Staithes period, this picture is such a stunning example of Art Deco for me to find it quite irresitible. It is a very stylish composition, tree branches framing the top, an abundance of flowers the sides and base. The larger mass of flowers to the right are balanced cleverly by a solitary poplar tree standing alone to the left. The shapes within the picture are aesthetically pleasing and invite on-going exploration.
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JOSEPH ALFRED TERRY RBA 1872 – 1939

Joseph Terry was a member of the famous York family of choclatiers, who were Quakers and philanthropists. He began his studies in art at the York School of Art and in the early 1890s travelled to study at the Acade´mies Julian and Colorossi in Paris where he won the Colorossi Silver medal in 1895, the year after Peploe won it. On his return to England he settled at The Firs in Sleights, becoming a member of the Staithes Art Club in 1906.

He did not marry until 1923 and his bride was Violet Bontein Clare Buckle of Sleights. Hirst Walker was their best man.

Terry worked equally well in both watercolours and oils and could turn his hand to any subject. His work demonstrates a great tactile pleasure in the application of paint and tends to be very strong and vibrant.

In total contrast to this, he also painted some charming and romantic Italianate scenes in predominately pastel colours, similar to the watercolours painted at times by Frank Wasley which he usually entitled ‘Idylls’.

His studio sale was not held until 1986 when Christies South Kensington sold 367 lots (many of them muliple) of his watercolours and oils. Most of his works which appear on the market are from this sale and bear a stamp giving their provenance.

Terry was elected a full Member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1924, just two years after becoming an Associate. He has work in the permanent
collection of the Pannett Art Gallery in Whitby. He exhibited at the Carfax
Gallery, the Walker Gallery Liverpool, the London Salon, Manchester City Art Gallery, the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Royal
Institute of Oil Painters, the Staithes Art Club, York City Art Gallery and the Yorkshire Union of Artists.



Bibliography:
Staithes Group Centenary Exhibition, Rosamund Jordan 2003
Paintings and Watercolours from the Studio of Joseph Alfred Terry RBA, Christie’s, 1986.
The Staithes Group, Peter Phillips, Phillips and Sons, Marlow1993
The Yorkshire Union of Artists 1888 – 1922, Dennis Child, Leeds Philosophical and
Literary Society Ltd, Leeds 2001
The Dictionary of British Artists 1880 – 1940, J. Johnson & A. Greutzner, Antique
Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge 1976

© Rosamund Jordan 2003