Collections
Paintings
John Constable (1776 – 1837) transformed the way we see the English landscape. Our rich collection of works by Constable ranges from drawings made directly from nature, to oil paintings that demonstrate the inventiveness and vitality for which he is renowned. Highlights include the full-scale preparatory sketch for 'The Hay Wain'.
Constable was among the earliest artists in the V&A's collection thanks to an 1856 donation of six paintings by the collector John Sheepshanks. However, the heart of this incredible collection was provided by Isabel Constable, the artist's daughter. Her donation of 297 drawings and watercolours, 92 oil sketches, three easel paintings and three sketchbooks provides an unparalleled insight into the work and process of this master.
Paintings
John Constable – an introduction
John Constable's work transformed the genre of landscape painting and shaped the enduring popular image of the English countryside
John Constable's sketches
Find out how and why Constable created his sketches and studies, celebrated as showing 'nature caught in the very act'
Constable's watercolour sketches
Take a closer look at the techniques used by Constable in his later works
Constable's oil sketches
Find out how a previously unrecorded oil sketch by John Constable was discovered by V&A experts
Background image: Shoreham Bay, Evening Sunset, John Constable, 1828, England. Museum no. 155-1888. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London Shoreham Bay, Evening Sunset, John Constable, 1828, England. Museum no. 155-1888. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London