This 1959 watercolour by Henry Glyde shows a view of the English countryside near St. Albans, with loosely rendered trees, buildings, and distant rooftops. Known primarily for his work in Alberta and his role as an influential art educator, Glyde spent time in England during the 1950s and occasionally returned to British subjects. His background in mural painting and drawing is evident in the strong structural lines and balanced composition of this piece. The scene combines natural and built elements, typical of Glyde’s interest in the relationship between landscape and human settlement.

St. Albans is a historic city in Hertfordshire, England, located about 20 miles north of London. Known for its rich Roman heritage, the city was once the Roman settlement of Verulamium, remnants of which can still be seen today in its ancient walls and mosaic floors. It is also home to St Albans Cathedral, one of the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in Britain. The city features a mix of medieval architecture, Victorian buildings, and modern amenities, and is surrounded by rolling countryside.