Stratford Mill

Stratford Mill, painted in 1820 and held at the National Gallery, is the second of Constable’s monumental six-foot canal scenes, following The White Horse of 1819. The painting depicts a group of boys fishing beside Stratford Mill on the Stour, with the mill and river stretching into the distance. The combination of childhood recreation with the working landscape of mill and river embodies Constable’s ideal of productive rural harmony. The painting was purchased by Constable’s friend and patron John Fisher for 100 guineas. Its success at the Royal Academy encouraged Constable to continue his ambitious series of large-scale Stour Valley paintings.

The painting demonstrates Constable's ability to render complex reflections in water and the interplay of sunlight and shadow across a landscape. The rich greens and brilliant sky are built up through layers of broken color that create a vibrant, luminous surface.

Stratford Mill is in the National Gallery, London. It was the second of Constable's ambitious six-foot paintings, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1820. The large canvas has been relined and restored. The detailed rendering of trees, water, and mill buildings is well-preserved. The painting was purchased by Constable's friend Archdeacon Fisher, solidifying their important artistic friendship. The work is in good condition overall.