Jeffery Matthews: London Skyline from the River Thames

Artist: Jeffrey Matthews
1928 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 7.75 by 8.6 inches
Overall Size: 11.75 by 13 inches
Medium: Crayon Drawing on Water Color Paper

The ravens, per Poe are: "things of evil ... if bird or devil," fittingly make their homes in the imposing Tower of London. It is said that if the ravens ever leave, the Tower will fall and the glory of Britain will vanish. For centuries, they came here to scavenge, perhaps witnessing both the fantastic splendor and fearful events of The Tower of London. William the Conqueror started the awesome structure in 1078. In the next 900 years, the Tower grew to include twenty towers and two bastions, bearing walls varying in thickness from fifteen feet on the bottom to eleven feet at the top. As a palace, the Tower hosted dignitaries, and its chapels were among the most beautiful in the world. Within its walls were gardens, a zoo, streets and taverns. But the grim Tower also served as a Council Chamber and prison. Famous trials were held here and, at times, nearly a thousand people were imprisoned within its walls. Many lost their lives, among them Sir Thomas More, two wives of Henry VIII and the Earl of Essex. Today, the Tower is still a prison, though not so brutal as in ages past. It also holds the Crown Jewels, the Armoury and houses the Yeomen Warders, the Tower's official guides and custodians. Outside and just beyond stands Tower Bridge, another great landmark. In the shadow of the Tower, this bridge shares an aura of Medievalism, though it was actually built in Victorian times. Today, Tower Bridge rises majestically as modern vessels hurriedly pass the spot where history and legend combine.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Westminster Collector's Society Great Britain 50p London Stamp Exhibition stamp issued April 9, 1980.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06075

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