19th Century Victorian Sand Picture Carisbrooke Castle Isle of Wight, English Folk Art

This charming post card sized sand picture was produced in England during the mid-19th century, circa 1850s. The sand picture depicts the historic motte-and-bailey Carisbrooke Castle which is located in the village of Carisbrooke (near Newport), Isle of Wight, England. During the 1600s Charles I was imprisoned at the castle in the months prior to his trial! The castle has a rich and fascinating history.

This small sand picture would have been produced by an artist on the Isle of Wight which was the perfect place to create sand pictures due to its naturally formed bays containing a vast array of colored sands. The isle of Wight benefited from an influx of wealthy visitors after the 1840’s due to Queen Victoria who chose Osborne House on the Isle of Wight for her family retreat with Prince Albert and children. This put the island off the coast of Southern England firmly on the tourism map, and produced a steady income for the island’s sand artists.

The sand picture is housed behind lovely old glass in a period correct stepped stained pine frame with the most fabulous dry patina.
This is a fabulous example of English folk art, such a charming scene.

Measuring: Framed size 6 3/4 inch high by 8 inch wide.

Condition: The sand picture has a small vertical ripple in the centre sky area. Some faint foxing also in the sky area. A couple of perfectly stable drying cracks to the hedge area.