Win six original paintings of Epping and Theydon Bois

Watercolours of Epping and Theydon Bois 

This month, artist James Merriott explores epic forests and stunning architecture  

Born off the Lea Bridge Road, I grew up living and working in London’s East End. I married the beautiful Joan and moved to Brentwood in my twenties. The great Epping Forest has never been far from me, and it remains the wonder of wonders. 

A magical, ancient place, it seems to keep as many secrets as Stonehenge. To reach the forest in my early days was to travel on the Central Line from Mile End to Epping. It was then I made up my mind that I would never leave this county – and I never did. 

My priority for this feature was to present variation, with the trees and buildings of the forest and the prominent architecture in Theydon Bois. Portraying them has been a nostalgic trip through time, and I found much of it remained unchanged. 

Copped Hall (Image: James Merriott)COPPED HALL 

This building is undergoing an amazing renovation programme by local volunteers. 
 

The Bull Inn (Image: James Merriott)THE BULL INN  

A lovely picturesque country inn, displaying colourful pub signs for all to see. 
 

Holy Innocents Church (Image: James Merriott)HOLY INNOCENTS CHURCH 

In a beautiful position, it’s surrounded by trees at High Beach. 
 

St Mary's Church (Image: James Merriott)ST. MARYS CHURCH 

A beautiful building of brick and stone built 1850 in Theydon Bois. 

Epping Forest way (Image: James Merriott)EPPING FOREST WAY 

Always best to keep to the signs when visiting! 

Earl's Path pond (Image: James Merriott)EARLS PATH POND  

As a boy in 1952, I lost my younger brother here in my excitement at Earls Path Lake. Fortunately, he was returned by a concerned couple some hours later. 

WIN    

You can contact James at Cottage Corner Art, 9 Byron Road, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 2RU. Call 01277 210 728 to make an appointment.