Barmouth

jiho · #1 (**permalink**) 15-Jan-2008, 12:37

Hi all,
What is the meaning of the reference to «Barmouth» in the following sentence?

«If Charlotte should have any curiosity to know the size of Barmouth it is 13 inches by 8 1/2. Ahem!»

Context:
A new house in London, 1839,
the newly-married woman who lives there dosn't like the colour of the walls and thinks (and so is telling her sister in a letter) that a water-coloured picture from Charlotte would be perfect to cover part of the drawing room wall. Obviously, she is asking her by insinuation to receive it as a present.

What is «the Barmouth» here?
- A piece of furniture?
- A type of frame for the picture?
- Another picture by another artist named Barmouth beside which the new one would be hung on the wall? (in the same way you call a picture by Picasso "the Picasso")

Thanks!

**Anglika** · #2 (**permalink**) 15-Jan-2008, 13:37

The painting is a view of the Welsh town, Barmouth. It will be understood from the context and relevance to the situation.

Well-brought up young ladies in the 19th century were all taught how to draw and paint in water-colour. Clearly Charlotte has painted a suitable picture and the young lady would like it.

jiho · #3 (**permalink**) 15-Jan-2008, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglika

The painting is a view of the Welsh town, Barmouth. It will be understood from the context and relevance to the situation.

Well-brought up young ladies in the 19th century were all taught how to draw and paint in water-colour. Clearly Charlotte has painted a suitable picture and the young lady would like it.

Oh Lord...

This is turning out an intensive lesson of English 19th culture for me
Maybe you could think about creating an specific forum...

Thank You so much!!