The Brontë siblings planned a day out to see a local site, Bolton Abbey, while their friend Ellen was visiting. One early morning in September of 1833, Emily, Anne, Charlotte, Branwell, and Ellen took a ride in a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage that Branwell had borrowed for their journey. They spent the day walking around together, admiring the ruins of the Abbey.
Bolton Abbey and Sheep
Bolton Abbey Ruins
Bolton Abbey was built in the 12th century. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 the priory buildings were stripped of their lead roofs, leaving the stone work exposed to the elements. As centuries passed, the stone structures weakened and fell.
Abbey Door
Door Detail
Emily and Anne walked around the Abbey ruins, talking quietly with each other. Charlotte and Ellen walked with Branwell, who excitedly and eloquently quoted poetry. Although the Brontës had never been there before, they had an oil painting of Bolton Abbey hanging in their home. The Brontë children all loved art, Branwell and Charlotte especially enjoyed copying paintings and engravings to improve and hone their drawing skills. They must have poured over every inch of the painting, as they did with all the artwork they came across. Emily liked drawing “from life” rather than copying others’ work.
Bolton Abbey, Outside In
Bolton Abbey, Inside Out
Bolton Abbey View
And I just had to add this one in… I know it’s odd, but I just love how this “sheep portrait” turned out:
Sheep Abstract
