Featured 1812 Ink Drawing of Bristol Cathedral

I purchased this drawing over the weekend in an antique shop. It appears to be an ink drawing done on a sketchbook page. The viewable image is 9 X 7. I looked at some old engravings and I think I have correctly identified the subject as Bristol Cathedral. I was wondering what people think? The date is written in the form we were taught in the states, which makes me wonder if the artist was from here. Do you think there is a possibility that there is more writing under the mat? I see a stray mark in the lower left corner, but it appears to be part of the drawing. I did look at sketchbook examples on the net from artists like JMW Turner, Joshua Reynolds and John Constable, it didn't seem like people signed their sketchbook drawings. What is the likelihood that this was done by a documented artist, is the skill level up to par? Any comments appreciated, as always.

 

I think it says it's the cathedral of St. Augustine and St. Stephen's

 

The Monastery of St Augustine, renamed to Cathedral-Church of the Holy Trinity a.k.a. Bristol Cathedral

 

St. Stephen's is the other church in the sketch, as it was then.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Stephen's_Church,_Bristol

 

https://www.bristolhistory.co.uk/2024/05/25/a-negro-to-the-rescue/
"A Rope Walk is a straight, narrow piece of land or lane, open or covered, where long strands were laid out before being twisted into rope."

I think this is a fishing boat.

The artist could have at the Wapping rope maker, mentioned here
https://b-i-a-s.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BIAS_Journal10_ROPEWALKS_AND_ROPEMAKERS.pdf
"Wapping - near the 'New Gaol’ (Wapping Wharf)"

 

As the artist doesn't mention Bristol, and 'rope walk' doesn't seem to be a term that many people would be familiar with, I would think this is a local artist
According to an AI answer on Quora (https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-the-Brits-used-to-use-the-month-day-year-date-format):
"Yes, it is true that the month-day-year (MDY) date format was historically used in Britain, particularly in the 18th and early 19th centuries. "

 

It's a very nice plein air ink wash sketch. It's by an artist with skill, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a listed artist as plein air painting was a popular pastime for many. You can open it up if you like. I sign my sketches, but not everyone does. It's been professionally framed and put in a proper mat so at least you don't have to worry about that.

 

Thank you so much for all of the great responses. I couldn’t make out the word “rope”, I thought maybe it was “lake”. Yes, I am hesitant to open it up, the framing and mat are in nice condition. I did by this one just because I liked it and I thought it was cool that it was so old and had survived.

 

One of my nieces used to live there. She loved it, restaurants on her doorstep.

 

A little bit of Romantic Era influence there with the "tortured" trees.

Debora

 

Someone's broken up a sketch book and agree likely a local artist. Why don't you contact the Bristol Museum?

https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/contact-museum/

Debora

 

Thanks, I will do that.

 

I like this image. Same elements, similar time period, slightly different perspective. I enjoyed reading about the rope making industry.

 

A tad earlier. Georgian, not Regency.

Debora