Study of a Cab at All Saints, Manchester

Manchester holds the largest collection of works by Valette. This study complements two large paintings of horse-drawn cabs by Valette already in the collection. The artist is best known as the teacher of L S Lowry and for his series of large impressionistic paintings of Edwardian Manchester which are a unique and memorable record of the city. ValetteÂ’s views were produced in his studio from small, spontaneous, sketches made on the spot. This work is a prime example of his subtly-toned studies, which are among his most appealing works and capture the cityÂ’s atmosphere more exactly than the finished works while showing the transformation process from street to studio.