The Painting
A watercolour measuring 7½" x 10½". Provenance: Revd Desmond Morse-Boycott, author
of Lead, Kindly Light: studies of the saints and heroes of the Oxford Movement (labels
verso).
About the Artist
John Chessel Buckler (1793-1894) was born in Oxfordshire, eldest son of the architect
and architectural draughtsman John Buckler FSA (1770-1851), who began his working
life as clerk to the Steward of Magdalen College, Oxford. John Chessel succeeded
to his father’s practice in 1826. His principal interests as an architect lay in
the restoration of churches and other ancient buildings. He restored the belfry,
spire, pinnacles and statuary of the tower of St Mary’s Church, Oxford; the exterior
of Jesus College; and the tower gateways of Oriel and Brasenose Colleges. Magdalen
College School was built to his design in 1850. He also inherited his father’s aptitude
for drawing, and received lessons from Francis Nicholson (1753-1844) in addition
to his architectural training in draughtsmanship. He exhibited in 1810-44, including
at the Royal Academy (39), the Society of British Artists, Suffolk Street (2), and
the Old Watercolour Society (15). He celebrated his 100th birthday on 8 December
1893 and died at Melbury, Cowley St John, Oxford, on 5 January 1894.
The Subject
Magdalen Hall, Oxford. The two well-proportioned classical blocks shown in this watercolour
were designed in 1820-22 by William Garbett (c.1770-1834), for 25 years surveyor
to the Dean and Chapter of Winchester. Located on Catte Street opposite the Bodleian
Library, they were originally built for the principal and students of Magdalen Hall;
this ceased to exist in 1874, when Hertford College was revived on the site. The
buildings now form part of the west front of Hertford College. The low wall and lodge
between the two blocks were demolished in 1887-8 to make way for the present Hall.
