In 1973 Coldstream began painting in the house of Ann Stokes, the widow of the painter Adrian Stokes who held Coldstream as ‘a great modern master,, as extreme’ and isolated as Rothko.’(1) The painting here shows the roof toof view from 20 Church Row, Hampstead, looking north east with Gardnor Mansions on the right. The artist’s diary records that he started on 12 April 1981 and completed the work on 16 January 1982, after 150 sessions.

The Paintings of William Coldstream 1908-1987, Tate Gallery, London 1991.