A very impressive Cecil Round painting was offered for sale earlier this week, through an auction house in California, USA. The painting in its frame, measuring an impressive 112 cm (H) x 142 cm (W) x 10 cm (D), carried a title plate indicating a subject of “Spring” and a date of 1889.
Whilst we were not able to view the painting in person, when we received the enclosed image, we immediately noted with interest that Cecil Round exhibited a painting named, “Now heaven walks on earth,” at the 1890 Summer Exhibition of the New Gallery in Regent Street, London. Although the catalogue for that exhibition was partly illustrated, sadly it did not carry an illustration of Cecil Round’s work. As such, we have been unable to verify whether this is the same painting, but note the remarkable similarities from the 1890 catalogue description:
“Early spring in the woods. Hawthorn-trees in blossom and a profusion of deep blue wild hyacinths.”
Clearly, more detailed investigation would be required in order to make a confirmed verification but, in the meantime, I’m sure you will share our excitement at the prospect that this just might be a lucky find for the new owner – we would love to hear from you! In the meantime, special thanks to Robert Stark for kindly sharing the photograph.
The painting was featured in Series 37 of the television show when, in Episode 17, the team visited Belton House in Lincolnshire. It was first broadcast on 5th April 2015. 
As part of his analysis of the painting, Mark Poltimore noted the windmill and the five men making hay in the background. This led him to suggest the scene is probably of somewhere in East Anglia.
Unfortunately, the BBC no longer have this particular Antiques Roadshow episode available on their iPlayer. However, should it return, you will find details on their website at: 
“It sums up romantic notions of days gone by with little thatched fishing cottages tucked away in narrow valleys; a nostalgic piece of whimsy, almost befitting a chocolate box.” The painting, David says, has little or no economic value and is no masterpiece. Yet it is a piece that successfully communicates between artist and audience, stirring emotion and effecting a response.
We’ve been struck by the number of really interesting back-stories that often accompany your correspondence – quite literally, from all over the world. With this in mind, very shortly it is our intention to start featuring some of these stories, along with more detailed close-ups and analysis of his pictures. We will also start to feature more general news stories and information relating to Cecil Round’s work. We hope this will bring added interest for visiting enthusiasts and encourage others to continue sharing their pictures and stories!
NOTE: To check for recent updates to our website, please refer to the notes in the right-hand margin.