Morpeth Bridge

Thomas Girtin

c. 1796

Watercolor over graphite

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A watercolor painting depicts a stone bridge spanning a calm river, with buildings lining the banks and a few figures and horses on the left bank. Built in the 1200s, Morpeth Bridge was the crossing point of the River Wansbeck—thus a strategically important asset on the main route between Newcastle and Edinburgh. The view is taken looking downstream to the east. The north and south abutments and the center pier still survive, but in 1835 the arches were destroyed when a larger bridge was built a stone’s throw further downstream. Beyond the north (left) end of the bridge, we see the arched tower of a chantry chapel built in 1296. Besides praying for the chapel’s patron, the priest collected the bridge tolls. This drawing is traditionally attributed to Thomas Girtin, but it may