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Identification

Edward Jeffrey Watercolor Painting of a Watermill, 1933

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Attribution is locked to 'by artist' Edward Jeffrey (British, b. 1898) based on the clear, hand-painted block-letter signature 'EDWARD JEFFREY' and the date '33'.

Story

Edward Jeffrey (British, b. 1898) was known for his landscapes of the Lake District and Northern England, as well as wildlife illustrations. This piece, dated 1933, falls into his early-to-mid career output.

Maker / Origin

Edward Jeffrey

Condition & Value

Based on the provided details, the piece appears to be an original watercolor with fluid washes and pigment pooling intact. However, without high-resolution photos out of the frame or verso images, it is impossible to confirm the absence of common watercolor issues such as foxing, acid burn from…

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Edward Jeffrey is a recognized but regionally focused British artist, primarily collected for his Lake District and Northern English landscapes. The secondary market for early-to-mid 20th-century traditional British watercolors is relatively soft globally but maintains a steady, niche collector base in the UK. Works typically trade at regional UK auction houses rather than major international sales, with prices heavily dependent on size, condition, and the specific locale depicted.

Value Drivers

▲ Confirmed original watercolor by Edward Jeffrey, bypassing print/reproduction risks.

▲ Desirable rural watermill subject matter, aligning with his most sought-after Northern English landscapes.

▲ Clear, dated signature (1933) establishes early-to-mid career execution.

Concerns

▼ Unknown dimensions — if the piece is a smaller vignette (e.g., under 19x27cm), value will trend toward the $120 floor.

▼ Unverified condition under the mat — hidden acid burn or foxing would require restoration and discount the value.

▼ Lack of specific geographic identification (e.g., naming the exact mill) misses a potential premium from local collectors.

Best Venue

To maximize return, confirm the exact dimensions and inspect the backing for any gallery labels or location inscriptions. This piece is best suited for a regional UK auction house that handles traditional British art, or a specialized online platform targeting Lake District landscape collectors.

Upside Potential

If the painting is on the larger end of his typical output (e.g., exceeding 40x60cm) and a specific, highly recognizable Lake District location can be identified via verso inscriptions, the piece could push toward the $300-$350 range.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 8 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Auctioneers· 2014-06-12
    Edward Jeffrey, watercolour, Lakeland farmhouse
    Link could not be verified.
    $320
  • Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Auctioneers· 2014-06-12
    Edward Jeffrey, pair of watercolours, bird, insect and floral studies
    Link could not be verified.
    $260
  • Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Auctioneers· 2014-06-12
    Edward Jeffrey, pair of watercolours, bird, insect and floral studies. Each 12.5 ins x 10 ins, framed, signed.
    Link could not be verified.
    $140
  • Gildings Auctioneers
    Edward Jeffrey, Tarn Hows, watercolour
    Link could not be verified.
    $120
  • Crows Auction Gallery· 2023-05-10
    A collection of early Toby Twirl books by Sheila Hodgetts and illustrated by Edward Jeffrey
    Illustrated books, not an original watercolor painting.
    $35
  • 1818 Auctioneers· 2023-06-21
    After Edward Jeffrey (British, 1898-1978), colour print, A view of Derwentwater, framed, mounted
    Print after the artist, not an original watercolor.
    $32
  • Bishop & Miller· 2025-08-11
    EDWARD JEFFREY (BRITISH, 20TH CENTURY) WORLD REFUGEE YEAR 1960
    Likely a stamp, print, or ephemera related to his 1960 stamp design, not an original landscape painting.
    $29
  • Etsy
    Toby's New Adventures by Sheila Hodgetts and Edward Jeffrey
    Illustrated book, not an original watercolor painting.
    $10