Lot 138: Charles Essenhigh Corke (British, 1852-1922) Drawing room of the old family Austen House, Sevenoaks

Drawing room of the old family Austen House, Sevenoaks
signed and dated 'C. Essenhigh Corke/1905 (lower left), inscribed and dated 'April 1905' on old label on reverse
watercolour heightened with white
42.5 x 62.5cm (16 3/4 x 24 5/8in).

Charles Essenhigh Corke was born on 17th October 1852 in Sevenoaks. During his highly successful career he photographed and painted most of the grand properties of West Kent including Knole, Hever Castle and Ightham. Many of his paintings were used to illustrate books and postcards, which were highly popular.

His eldest son Henry Essenhigh Corke followed in his father's footsteps as a photographer and artist and in 1912 published "Wild Flowers as they grow" in three volumes.