A Once Rustic Retreat

#4968 Cowper's Residence near Olney Bucks

The Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, Bucks celebrates all things William Cowper (d1800), poet, translator of Homer & literatus, and his friend & local clergyman John Newton with whom he penned many hymns. The popular ‘Amazing Grace’ is a Newton triumph, while Cowper gave us phrases still familiar today – such as ‘variety is the spice of life [that gives it all its flavour]’ extracted from his 5000 line epic ‘Task’. This striking red-brick Orchard Side House hosting the museum was Cowper’s abode, from 1768-86. But to see it here in a pre-industrial age reveals it as the fine edifice it was and remains...and amplifies its status and beauty.

#history #authors #scanned #artdrawing #creatives #art #drawings #events #people #places #poet #hymns #cowper #cowperandnewtonmuseum