H.M.Page (fl.1878-1890)
Kirke White`s Cottage and the River Trent, Wilford, Nottingham

A charming and historic Victorian oil by H.M.Page depicting Kirke White`s Cottage on the banks of the River Trent at Wilford in Nottingham, in the distance can be seen the beginnings of Clifton Grove, a long scenic avenue of trees leading up to Clifton Hall. Kirke White`s cottage was held in local folklore to be the place where the poet Kirke White, a contemporary of Lord Byron, rented while living in the Village, but in fact it would appear to have been some distance away. This building was I think part of the old manor house. I think he stayed there on occasion. It was demolished a few years ago to make room for a new housing development. The painting is signed H.M.Page and could well be by Henry Maurice Page (fl.1878-1890) although I have no firm provenance. Frame is the original ornate Victorian item and is in good condition with a nice patina. A good size at 28 x 21 inches which will make a nice feature in any location.

Henry Kirke White(1785-1806)
This cottage was better known as 'Kirk White's Cottage' as it was used by the poet Henry Kirk White. The following account of Henry Kirke White and his cottage is extracted from the excellent 'Wilford' internet web site: 'Henry Kirke White was a Nottingham poet who drew inspiration for much of his poetry from Wilford and Clifton, the most notable being his poem 'Clifton Grove'. He was born in 1785 in Nottingham where the Exchange Walk Arcade now stands on Cheapside. A small slate plaque just inside the entrance to the Arcade marks the location. He was the son of a butcher who became a lawyers Clerk in Bridlesmiths Gate when 14 years old. He put all his energy into his work and his studies before taking his first steps into poetry. 'In fact he was expending so much energy in work, studies and poetry that he was becoming ill.' He became so fragile he believed he was about to die and made it known he wanted to be buried in one of his favourite locations, Wilford. In preparation for University in 1804, Henry Kirke White was advised to spend a month on the coast to gather his strength. He instead chose his favourite Nottingham location of Wilford. He would spend time in the church yard under his favourite tree or in a small wood hut on an islet in the Trent facing Clifton Grove. The exact location of his residence in Wilford has been mis-represented over the years as the Manor House near Wilford Church. He described the location to his brother as 'a little cottage at Wilford where I have taken a room ... I live in a homely house in a homely style ... and (am) perfectly at my ease'. Hardly the description a butchers son would give to the small stately manor house. From an account of Wilford published in 1835 by a Matthew Barker, the actual location of the cottage can be deduced as opposite the Wilford library on Wilford Lane (Seen here). The original cottage was demolished in 1899 and the village Post Office now stands in its place. Barker describes the location as follows :- 'four cross roads, that on the left leading to the Nottingham turnpike road, the one in front goes to Ruddington, and ... the right to the banks of the Trent and Clifton. The corner house on the right is of ancient date, and was formally an ale house. The house adjoining ... is the place where Kirke White resided, when preparing himself for collage.' This description fits the Post Office location perfectly. After his stay at Wilford, Kirke White left for Cambridge to begin his studies. By 1806 his health had failed him and to such an extent that 'his mind was worn out, and it was the opinion of his medical attendants, that if he recovered, his intellect would have been affected.' White did not recover and was buried at the All Saints Church in Cambridge at the age of 21. His early death sparked a tide of sympathy for such a hard working youngster who had shown himself to be full of potential. It is for these qualities he is really best remembered. His poems were reappraised and looked on more charitably and he became a poet of mild note for his time. A memorial stands to him in St Wilfrid's Church, Wilford.

Mediumoil on canvas  Conditionvery good- a couple of old repairs which have been done well
 Image size21 x 14 inches   Provenancesigned lower left
 Overall size 28 x21 inches 
Agec.1890 Price £395 SOLD SEPTEMBER 2014