F.J. Hardy – Smallpox Hill, Uley (1973)

F.J. Hardy – Smallpox Hill, Uley (1973)

Signed Original Oil on Jute

F.J. Hardy is known for his richly detailed countryside landscapes that celebrate the charm and tranquillity of rural Britain. Working with strong natural colour palettes and carefully balanced compositions, Hardy’s paintings capture the timeless beauty of rolling hills, traditional farm buildings and idyllic village settings.

Painted in 1973, Smallpox Hill, Uley is a wonderfully vibrant depiction of the Gloucestershire countryside, showcasing Hardy’s eye for detail and appreciation for the English rural landscape. The painting portrays the rolling hills surrounding Uley near Dursley, an area steeped in local history and folklore.

The location takes its name from nearby Downham Hill, locally known as “Smallpox Hill” due to its historical connection with one of Britain’s earliest smallpox isolation hospitals during the 18th and 19th centuries. The remote hilltop location was believed to have been used to isolate sufferers away from surrounding villages, and local legend also links the site to the pioneering vaccination work of Gloucestershire physician Edward Jenner. Remains of the former isolation buildings can still be found near the summit today.

Executed in oil on jute, the artwork possesses a distinctive texture and warmth that enhances the natural character of the composition. The earthy tones of the landscape contrast beautifully against the vivid greens and soft blue sky, creating a harmonious and uplifting scene.

Presented in a beautiful wood frame and intentionally left unglazed, the piece allows the texture and richness of the original oil paint to be fully appreciated. The combination of the rustic frame and textured jute surface gives the artwork an authentic period character perfectly suited to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Artwork Details

• Artist: F.J. Hardy
• Title: Smallpox Hill, Uley
• Date: 1973
• Medium: Original oil on jute
• Signature: Signed by the artist
• Framed Size: 88 x 57 cm
• Presentation: Beautiful wood frame, unglazed
• Style: Traditional British landscape