Object Description
Francis Helps (1890-1972)
View from Pool Bank
Signed and inscribed with title on a label on the reverse, oil on board
14 by 38 cm
Exhibited:
Yorkshire Artists’ Exhibition, 1963
Francis William Helps was born in Dulwich, London, where he attended Dulwich College. In 1908 he enrolled at the Slade School of Fine Art, studying under Henry Tonks and Fred Brown. During World War I he joined the Artists’ Rifles and saw service in France. In 1924 he joined the British Mount Everest expedition as the official artist, completing a large number of Himalayan landscapes which were later exhibited at the Alpine Club. In 1931 he took up a teaching position at the Royal College of Art. In 1953 he became Head of Painting at Leeds College of Art. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists (of which he was a member) and elsewhere.
Pool Bank is a steep hill outside the village of Pool in Wharfedale, Yorkshire. The hill offers wonderful views across the Wharfe valley.