From ‘dreary mountainous tract’ to the epitome of picturesque

A book that tells the story of Dartmoor, as seen through the eyes of 18th and 19th century artists, has recently been published.

Researched and written by Peter F Mason, ‘Dartmoor, a Wild and Wondrous Region – the Portrayal of Dartmoor in Art, 1750 - 1920’ accompanies the exhibition of the same name running at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) Exeter until 1st April.

The largest of its kind in a generation, the exhibition includes oil paintings, watercolours, early photographs and postcards from RAMM’s own collection as well as loans from other museums and private collections, many of which have rarely been seen in public before. Illustrating the book and bringing Peter F Mason’s research to life are a number of colour images from the exhibition.

The exhibition and book tell the story of how Dartmoor was perceived through the eyes of artists. Described as ‘squallida Montana Dertmore’ by William Camden in the 16th century and as a ‘dreary mountainous tract’ by Richard Gough in the 18th century, the moor eventually became the epitome of ‘picturesque’ and the public’s view was forever transformed.

From the arrival of the railway and resultant influx of tourists to the sublime landscapes and depictions of Dartmoor life, these aspects were captured by artists such as JMW Turner, Samuel Palmer and William and F J Widgery, the latter catering specifically for visitors arriving by rail to Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Lustleigh and Moretonhampstead.

The book and exhibition are part of the In the footsteps of the Victorians project – one of 28 heritage projects supported by the Heritage Lottery funded Moor than meets the eye landscape partnership scheme.

The book, Dartmoor, a Wild and Wondrous Region is available to buy from Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres, priced at £9.95.