Boot was born in Manchester and moved to London where he worked as an artist and illustrator, and also as a writer. He was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists and The Arts Club and exhibited paintings at the Royal Academy.

In Homewards Boot shows an idyllic rural scene. A mother and child pause in a lush landscape close to the elegant trunk of a silver birch tree. The artist has enjoyed capturing the light and tones of the grass, thistles, flowers and leaves which spread all around. In the background nestles a cottage, perhaps the destination of the lingering figures who seem, like the viewer, to be in awe of the beauty of nature.

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: William Henry James Boot (1848 – 1918)
Date: circa 1885-1910

Image Details
Date: 24 March 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 200
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.