Douglas Houzen Pinder 1886-1949 Newquay Artist
Douglas Houzen Pinder is one artist that spent many years in Newquay. Born in 1886 and with his father dying the following year, by 1901 he had moved, with his mother, to Newquay, where she was an Infant Mistress at a Boarding School, with Douglas articled to a local architect.
In 1908 Douglas Pinder married married Edith Jane Osborne from St Wenn, near to Padstow and Wadebridge. He started to paint watercolours in 1911.
During the 1914-1918 war, Pinder was a Conscientious Objector, a member of the Plymouth Brethren, and he took a job as a postman. His initial application for exemption was dismissed and Pinder had to answer questions about his faith and Christianity before being granted exemption from combatant service only, in June 1916.
After the war he ventured to Egypt, having been commissioned to paint many desert scenes close to Port Said. After that he moved to Devon and returned to Newquay in 1930.
By 1930 Douglas Pinder had his own art gallery, called Towan Studios, at 80 Fore Street, Newquay. Pinder painted many watercolours and a far smaller number of oils. He usually painted seascapes, often including detail which allowed the location to be clearly identified. He never owned a car, so the location of his paintings was limited to how far he could walk or travel on his bicycle, which was adapted to carry his painting equipment. He would also have been able to use public transport, or possibly occasional trips with friends or neighbours. Most of his paintings are of Newquay or the North Cornwall Coast.
Pinder’s wife, Edith JH Pinder, died in the 1st quarter of 1949, aged 66 and Douglas died at 79 Mount Wise, Newquay, on 14 November 1949, aged just 63.
After his death, in 1949, the studio property remained in the family.
During his travels he used different names, signing his work as Ben Graham and A.P. Shepherd. Upon returning to Newquay he used the name Douglas Pinder again, signing as DH Pinder or Douglas (H) Pinder.
How Much is a Douglas Pinder Picture Worth?
The worth of any painting will depend on the size, quality and the subject. It also depends on where it’s sold (the marketing and exposure gained) as well as the changing trends in the art world.
I’ve seen smaller watercolours sold for £40-60 yet larger pieces selling for upwards of £1000. The £300-£500 range is a typical price for paintings by Pinder. One painting of the Island, Newquay, was valued at about £120 in 2016, the price probably reflecting his intimate knowledge of the subject, enabling him to bring out its qualities more effortlessly.
As Seen on Flog It
In 2016 one of a Douglas Pinder painting appeared on TV show Flog It. That was a watercolour of Port Isaac, showing a harbour scene. It was estimated on the show to be worth £80-120 as it had been removed from the frame and wasn’t in great condition. This painting by Pinder sold at auction for £80.
Many Douglas Pinder paintings were also produced as postcards, which can make a nice piece of wall art when mounted and framed – these are trending in recent years!
An stunning original watercolour on paper, depicting highland cattle in the Scottish landscape. The image measures 17 cm x 35 cm, in its orignal oak frame with gilt slip. Signed lr. Very nice condition.
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