060 'UPLAND SONG'
by Percy Tarrant (Fl 1883-1904)

What a wonderful view this is from the grassy hilltop. After the long climb up, it is such fun to link hands and run down the hill all together, - at the same time singing as loudly as any- one can! Victorian children knew how to create their own enjoyment out of the simple things in life, and would set a fine example to their peers today. To compete with the more tuneful song-birds this small chorus must have created an interesting cacophony to those within hearing distance!

To feel the wind at their backs all the way home would be exhilarating, - but some of the carefully picked wild flowers will surely suffer the skipping and tumbling about to ensue.

The thin high clouds can just be made out behind them, - allowing the warm Spring sunlight to filter through to the uncut pastures below. The breezes are always stronger on the brow of the hill and refreshingly cool after their hot climb. Their long skirts will drag and swish through the long grass lower down the slope behind the artist. The water meadows in the valley will be carpeted with the late Spring wild flowers. Oh what sheer bliss this is. It should go on for ever!

The oldest sisters are happy with the slower pace for the moment, and take in the majesty of what they are seeing. Their voices are the loudest and probably in harmony. The youngest is somewhat reluctant but will certainly join the familiar chorus lines with a shrill performance . Her cautious expression perhaps reflects the moment recently when she was a bridesmaid. But this time her carefully made posy is of buttercups and daisies.

What a glorious day for such long walk. Although little legs taking so long to catch up with the others there has been no hurry at all. With this opportunity for so many beautiful wild-flowers to be picked, the youngest two have been happily collecting the bright blooms, competing to see who can get the most or even the biggest. While the oldest have been walking at leisure, the little ones have been dancing along, twisting and swirling their way forward.

The party has stopped momentarily to finish the song. Next they will surely take a few deep breaths of cool air, as if one person, before discussing eagerly what song will follow. Soon they will be back home again down in the valley, where there will be a rush to put their flowers in vases and to tell mother of their adventures for the day. Will the bright scarlet poppies have survived. Of course they will!

Percy Tarrant painted figurative and genre subjects. Exhibited fifteen works at RA 1883-1904, including 'Home from the fields', 'Making a gentleman of him', and 'A pair of Grandfathers'. Although he painted many rural scenes he lived in London.