FA000299 – Rain at Brighton, Adrian Hill, c1935-1939

Part of the One Minute Wonders trail, a story written by one of our volunteers, inspired by objects on display.

By Dani Tabakova

This dynamic oil painting shows a 1930s Brighton on a rainy day.

Look at the lampposts reflected on the watery ground. Where in Brighton do you think this is?

Seeming as though it was painted outside and on-the-spot, this painting reflects much of Hill’s overall style – impressionism, combining elements of light and shadow.

Around the time of this painting, Hill was recovering from tuberculosis, and much of his recovery was spent creating art from his bed.

He believed that art could help those who were sick. He was one of the first to introduce the term “art therapy” in Britain.