Located in the north-west of England, the Lake District is the largest English National Park, covering fells, dales, lakes, villages and towns. In Constable’s day it was a popular region for travellers in search of Picturesque scenery in England.

Constable drew and painted around the Lake District (Kendal, Brathay, Skelwith, Thirlmere, Windermere, and Borrowdale) from 1 September to 19 October 1806. He made almost one hundred drawings and watercolours during this sketching trip, working on the spot, and showing for the first time his interest in atmospheric phenomena. He noted on the back of a number of his works the time of day and observations on the weather, a practice he continued throughout his life. He captured the way the terrain altered in appearance with the changeable weather and light conditions.

In terms of his freedom of brushwork and handling of watercolour, Constable’s Lake District watercolours are highly original.