SOLD
 
A stunning mid-century gouache painting with a circus theme, by Hounsell in 1950. Possibly created as a design for a mural or for use as a book illustration. Just as the Festival of Britain was to do a year later in 1951, this painting captures the spirit of its age. Britain was emerging from the gloom and austerity of the Second World War, and celebrating both the future, and the nostalgia of the lost past, particularly the 'popular arts'. Circuses, funfairs, and pleasure gardens all became important venues and subject matter for artists at the time.
 
Painted on gesso-prepared hardboard, the palette of colours is perfectly balanced, and the composition of the figures cleverly articulated so that they appear animated. There are some small losses to the paint surface, but this does not distract from the whole. Signed and dated.