oil painting in victorian period

The collection mostly contains works painted during the mid Victorian period. Subject matters consist of English and Dutch landscapes and portraits of dignitaries associated with the current administrative boundaries of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.In the late 19th and early 20th century additional works were purchased or donated to the collection. By 1930 there was a total of 355 paintings, of various mediums, in the group. During the Second World War the art collection was located in storage at subterranean caves in Kinver, Staffordshire. After the war the paintings were returned but not all were positioned back on display.

In 1948 Wednesbury Borough Council determined to sell the art collection, including works from the Mary Richards’ bequest. Today 78 works stay from the original collection. Works of art from other council sections have been deposited in the Sandwell Museum Service Oil Painting Collection, where staff have the knowledge and skills necessary to care for oil paintings.