David W Birch Original 1977 Signed Watercolour Saundersfoot Pembrokeshire

An atmospheric and beautifully observed original watercolour by established British landscape artist David W. Birch, depicting the historic harbour at Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales.


Painted in July 1977, this is a particularly appealing early example of Birch’s work, dating from just three years after he established himself as a professional watercolour artist in 1974.


Entitled “Awaiting the Tide”, the composition captures Saundersfoot Harbour at low tide, with its imposing stone harbour walls, sweeping sandy shoreline, small boats resting below the quay and tiny figures walking along the harbour.


The artist’s delicate pencil work, subtle washes and restrained palette of soft greys, muted browns and sandy tones beautifully convey the stillness and character of this traditional Welsh coastal setting.


The painting is signed lower right and inscribed with the location lower left.


The reverse bears the artist’s handwritten inscription:


“Awaiting the Tide”

Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

David W. Birch – July 1977


About the Artist – David W. Birch


David W. Birch is a British landscape and architectural artist specialising in watercolour, alongside his work as a wood engraver and printmaker.


Known for painting predominantly en plein air (directly from nature), Birch developed his distinctive approach through a lifelong appreciation of the British landscape and its architectural heritage.


Before pursuing art professionally, he spent seven years working in farming across Warwickshire, Herefordshire and the Cotswolds.


His artistic education was largely informal, developing through his experience working with a leading fine art and antique dealer in London and Broadway, Worcestershire, and through his study and handling of historic watercolours.


He became a professional watercolour artist in 1974.


Birch has maintained his home and studio in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, since 1970, a town with which his family has ancestral connections stretching back approximately 400 years.


Exhibitions & Artistic Recognition


Since 1978, David W. Birch has exhibited regularly at prestigious British art institutions and exhibitions, including:


* The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London

* The Royal Watercolour Society

* The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours

* The Royal West of England Academy, Bristol

* The Society of Wood Engravers

* The Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers

* The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

* The Birmingham and Midland Institute

* The Barber Institute, Birmingham, through the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition

* Warwick Museum and Art Gallery


His exhibition history also includes a collaborative exhibition with his wife, artist Annabel Carey, interpreting Shostakovich’s fifteen string quartets.


Historical Interest – Saundersfoot Harbour


Situated on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast, Saundersfoot developed during the 19th century as a working harbour associated with the local coal industry.


The harbour was used to transport coal from nearby mines, before gradually developing into the picturesque fishing and leisure harbour familiar today.


Birch’s 1977 watercolour captures the distinctive harbour architecture and peaceful character of the coastline, offering an attractive historical record of Saundersfoot during the late 20th century.


Condition & Presentation


Presented in its vintage decorative mount with multiple fine gold and blue-grey borders.


Please examine the photographs as they form part of the description.


Study measures approx 36.5 x 26.5cm