Chipping in for Constable

British artist John Constable is famous for his landscapes. His paintings of green countryside and cloudy skies are enjoyed by visitors at the National Gallery today. But it wasn't until after Constable died in 1837 that the Gallery acquired one of his paintings. This was made possible thanks to a campaign started by the artist’s friend William Purton.

The campaign for Constable

In the early 19th century, Constable exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and later at the Paris Salon. His work was embraced by the French, and it influenced works by painters of the Barbizon School and the French Romantic movement.

Back in England, his friend William Purton had an idea to celebrate Constable's work after he died. He wanted to buy a painting from the artist's estate and present it to the National Gallery. Despite his good intentions, he couldn't afford to buy any work by Constable on his own. This began the campaign to get Constable's friends and admirers to contribute towards the purchase of a painting.

Gaining support

The campaign quickly gained support with over 100 people helping to raise money. This included famous poets and artists, such as William Wordsworth, David Wilkie and Francis Chantrey. Many of them had known Constable personally and were happy to contribute.

Fellow painter William Beechey decided to take charge of the campaign. He became chairman of a group that would choose a painting from Constable’s studio. The potential selection was eventually narrowed down to two works. But which Constable painting would they choose?

Choosing a painting

The choice was between ‘Landscape’ and ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’. With a bright sky and winding lane leading to a cornfield, Constable’s friends argued that ‘Landscape’ would appeal more to the public's taste. With the decision made, the picture was bought for 300 guineas – which was more than one-and-a-half times the Keeper’s annual salary, the most senior role at the Gallery at the time.

Throughout the campaign, people began referring to the painting as 'The Cornfield.' By the time the painting was purchased, the new name had stuck. ‘The Cornfield’ continues to be referred to by this title today.

Over the years, the National Gallery's collection of Constable paintings has grown. It now includes his famous painting ‘The Hay Wain’, acquired in 1886. Although ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows’ now lives at Tate Britain, another of his paintings of Salisbury Cathedral was purchased for the Gallery in 1910.

In 2023, the Gallery took 'The Cornfield' on tour for Constable Visits. People could see it in unexpected places across England, including a shopping centre and on the Isle of Wight.