Alexander J. Heaney

Original ink drawing by Alexander J. Heaney.

Original ink drawing with white watercolour alterations in the sky area. This is the original pen and ink drawing which was used as the basis for Alexander Heaney’s large etching of Queen Square, Bristol.

In the 18th century, Queen Square was the most sought-after place to live in Bristol. In the centre of the Square is a brass equestrian statue of King William III by John Michael Rysbrack, cast in 1733 and erected in 1736 to signify the city's loyalty. In 1831 the Square became the scene of the Bristol Riots which centered around its Mansion House. As nearby Clifton was developed from the end of the 18th century and through the 19th century, it supplanted Queen Square as the fashionable residential address. Queen Square was extensively redeveloped to a very high standard throughout the twentieth century and now most of the buildings are in office use.

An impression of the etching derived from this drawing is held in the collection of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, reference M4610.

On off-white artist’s drawing board with full margins. Generally very good original condition.

Provenance: From the collection of Phyllis Heaney, the artist’s daughter – thence by descent to her granddaughter.