The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Portcullis House
A Painting of Britain's Most Iconic Political Landmark
Whether you are proud to be British or a passing visitor from another land who has been drawn to the beauty and heritage of this remarkable kingdom, There's something quietly majestic about the Houses of Parliament — the way they rise from the Thames with such stately presence, steeped in history and architectural grandeur.
I've long been drawn to this iconic landmark, not just for its symbolism, but for the challenge it presents to a painter: the intricate Gothic details, the shifting light across its façade, and the subtle interplay between structure and atmosphere.
A Painting of British Historic Architecture
In this painting, I've tried to capture a moment of stillness — when the light softens and the building seems to breathe with the river. I worked slowly and deliberately, layering paint and glazes to build depth and realism, always mindful of preserving the integrity of the scene rather than embellishing it. My aim wasn't to dramatize, but to honour the quiet dignity of the architecture and the mood of the setting.
A Painting for Collectors of English Architectural Heritage
Collectors often tell me they're drawn to works that evoke a sense of place and permanence, and I hope this piece offers just that. It's not merely a depiction of a building — it's a reflection of how we connect with heritage and space. I've painted it with care and respect, and I'd be honoured if it found a home with someone who appreciates both the craftsmanship and the story behind it.
Artistic Workmanship
This painting of the Houses of Parliament is the result of over three months (a quarter of a year) of quiet, dedicated work, craftsmanship and artistic precision — hour upon hour spent in deep focus, bringing this vision to life one careful brushstroke at a time: every brushstroke meticulously applied to ensure lasting vibrancy and detail. I used only the finest archival paints from Old Holland, chosen not only for their richness and depth, but for their promise to endure.
An Artistic Tribute to Britain's Most Important Building
With over thirty years at the easel, I've learned that true artistry lies not just in skill, but in patience, intention, and a deep respect for the subject. As a professional artist devoted to producing high-calibre work, this piece is my humble tribute to one of Britain's most iconic landmarks — a place steeped in history and presence. I've tried to honour its grandeur with light, colour, and a sense of stillness that I hope invites the viewer to linger.
The value of this work reflects not only the quality of the materials and the many weeks of labour, but also the years of experience and care that have shaped it. For those who seek something lasting — something created slowly and with heart — this painting offers more than an image. It offers a moment preserved.
I would love for this painting to remain in the United Kingdom and to go to a good British home, where it will be cherished and looked after for many generations to come.
The Houses of Parliament and its History
The Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, once served as a royal palace. My artistic depiction of the Houses of Parliament is based on the current design, which was designed by Sir Charles Barry, and assisted by Augustus Pugin, in the Gothic Revival style after a fire destroyed most of the palace in 1834. The only parts left remaining after the fire were Westminster Hall, the Jewel Tower, the cloisters and the crypt of St. Stephen's Chapel.
Finding Artistic Inspiration in London
My painting is based on a reference photograph I took on Thursday 16th May 2013. An hour before I took this photograph, the sky had been filled with grey cloud and the scene had been quite overcast, but by 7:00 p.m. the cloud had begun to break up and to disperse in places, revealing a beautiful evening sky filled with a soft warm light.
Light and Realism Depicted in Paintings by Canaletto
I have always wanted to paint the Houses of Parliament and to depict this impressive building onto canvas. Interestingly, during my stay in London, I visited the Wallace Collection and viewed the impressive architectural paintings by Canaletto and his Studio.
I have always admired how he captured an impression of luminosity in his paintings, as well as paint great detail and achieve wonderful contrast, and it was my intention to achieve the same 'look' on my Houses of Parliament painting ... so there was definitely an influence at work.
I took my reference photo a short distance from the London Eye, looking toward Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament — with Westminster Abbey and the Methodist Central Hall behind, and Portcullis House to the right of Parliament.
On 17th May, 2013, I was granted special permission from David Prior and the team at the Parliamentary Archives to visit the Victoria Tower, Houses of Parliament, to take a number of reference photographs from the eighth floor, and was shown a selection of the artwork on display at the Victoria Tower. I was also shown around St. Stephen's Hall and Westminster Hall, which made a huge impression on me.
The Houses of Parliament painting was painted using professional New Masters Classic Acrylic paints by Old Holland — a company that has its origins with the Dutch Masters going back to the 17th Century. Old Holland are renowned for the purity and quality of their high-grade pigments.
The painting was framed by professional master framer, Mr G. Coulthurst: A master craftsman and picture framer with over forty years experience at the time of framing this painting. A respected and long-standing member of the Fine Art Guild, G. Coulthurst has undertaken framing commissions for Parliament, and has some of his work at Windsor Castle. This high quality frame has been handmade and painted using traditional framing techniques.
PAINTING DETAILS:
Title: The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Portcullis House — Evening, May 2013.
Medium: Acrylic on medium grain cotton canvas.
Canvas size: 14 inches x 36 inches (35.6 cm x 91.5 cm).
Frame size: 21.25 inches x 43.25 inches (54 cm x 109.9 cm).
Frame: Black and gold frame with white inner slip.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Price: £12,600
Available: Direct from the artist's studio. Please email me if you are interested in purchasing this painting.
Email: info@markwoollacott.com
Price includes UK delivery only.
How to Order This Painting
Ordering this painting is easy. Simply email me your contact details and let me know the title of the painting you wish to purchase (i.e. The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Portcullis House — Evening, May 2013) and I will email you an invoice so you can make your payment. Please supply your full name, address and delivery address (if it is different from your home address) email address and telephone number — these details will have to go on the invoice. I will also have to provide this information to the delivery courier, who will require this information from me in order to deliver the artwork to you.
Once I have received the full payment from you for the artwork, I will carefully package the painting (include its certificate of authenticity) and prepare it for collection by the courier. I shall keep you updated by email and let you know when the courier will be collecting the artwork from me, and I will also provide you with a tracking reference number, which will allow you to check the status of the painting on the courier's website once it has been collected from me. This number will provide you with up-to-date information while the artwork is in transit and en route to your address.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you, or someone assigned by you, will be at the delivery address to receive the artwork when it is delivered by the courier. The parcel containing the painting may require a signature on delivery.
Order the Art Print
The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge and Portcullis House art print is available to buy online at Fine Art America. Choose from a variety of print sizes, select quality fine art papers, print types (e.g. paper print, canvas print, metal print etc.), and framing options to suit your home or style.
Fine Art America has been selling my art prints since 2014, and has been in business since 2006 and are one of the largest, most-respected online art sites in the world, with more than 500,000 independent artists, and deliver worldwide. Fine Art America has the largest print-on-demand fulfilment network in the world. They have sixteen manufacturing centres located in five countries. Each manufacturing centre can ship products to any destination in the world.
To order your print, click or tap on the logo below to go direct to my profile page at the Fine Art America website:
Mark Woollacott is a member of Artists' Union England, the trade union for visual, applied and socially engaged artists www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the Houses of Parliament painting?
The painting was inspired by the architectural grandeur and historical significance of the Palace of Westminster, particularly during golden hour light conditions.
Is the painting an original or a reproduction?
The painting featured on this page is a framed original artwork created by the artist, available as both the original and high-quality prints.
What medium was used for this painting?
This artwork was created using professional high-grade pigmented acrylic paints onto canvas.
Can I purchase this painting or print?
Yes, both the original and prints are available for purchase. Please visit my website for current availability. Prints are only available online at the Fine Art America website.
What are the dimensions of the artwork?
The original painting measures 14 inches by 36 inches.
How long did it take to paint this artwork?
This painting, with all its meticulously painted layers and architecturally accurate details, took a quarter of a year in total.
Intellectual Property
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