Edwardian watercolour Maids Head Hotel

A framed Edwardian watercolour of the exterior of the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, painted by Walter Hayward-Young in 1908 for a series of postcards of the hotel, has been discovered in a loft in Surrey.

Graham O’Connell, who lives in Frimley Green, Surrey, bought the painting 20 years ago in Camberley, along with a number of other paintings, drawings and documents. He was tidying up items in his loft, found the painting and decided to offer it to the Maids Head.

Christine Malcolm, General Manager, Maids Head Hotel said: “We are delighted that Mr O’Connell has given his painting to the hotel, which will be framed and put on display. It was one of a several watercolours of the Maids Head painted by Walter Hayward-Young for postcards. The collection also included one of the ground floor dining room (now The Yard Bar), the Snug and the Courtyard (now the Wine Press Restaurant), the Queen Elizabeth suite and a first floor corridor.”

Mr O’Connell suggested that the Maids Head make a donation to charity in return for his gift. A cheque for £50 has been presented to Hugo Stevenson, Community Fundraiser, Marie Curie Norfolk, the hotel’s charity for 2017.

Walter Hayward-Young (1868-1920) was a prolific poster and postcard artist. He is believed to have produced more than 800 watercolours for use as postcards and designed posters for the London Underground and UK seaside resorts.

The Maids Head Hotel already sells reproductions of some of the Walter Hayward-Young postcards including the exterior view and The Snug.

For more information about the Maids Head Hotel see www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk, t.  01603 20995