After the Storm

Samuel Palmer was one of the most original and influential artists of the 19th century. His most famous works are associated with the landscape around Shoreham in Kent. However, in later life he was more inspired by the scenery of Devon than any other. Between 1834 and 1860, he made regular tours to the County and wrote: ’I would not have been without the Devonshire reminiscences on any account – I hardly ever try to invent landscape without thinking of them’. His son recalled that Devon became ‘…his ideal of English scenery…how it enriched his imagination and influenced his choice of subject’.

Palmer’s works include both direct representations of North and South Devon and imaginary subjects which recall elements of the landscape. After the Storm is an imaginary shipwreck scene based on the coastline around the Valley of the Rocks near Lynmouth. The unique rock formations in this area became popular with Victorian tourists and also attracted numerous artists.

Palmer’s choice of subject may have been influenced by actual events. The Royal Charter Storm of October 1859 was a disaster on a national scale. In all, 133 ships and 800 lives were lost along the west coast of Britain. North Devon and Cornwall suffered worst with widespread structural damage and loss of life inland. Public sympathy focused upon coastal communities and the official gale warnings service was launched in 1860. After the Storm was first shown by Palmer at the Old Watercolour Society in London. One of a series of extra wide format watercolours, its large scale was intended to impress at public exhibitions.

Purchased with assistance from the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund, the Friends of RAMM, the Reynolds Chard bequest and the Kent Kingdon bequest.