I’m excited to share my latest painting: a large-scale watercolour of the iconic Ouse Valley Viaduct in West Sussex. This piece was commissioned by Adam Moseley for his speciality coffee shop, Tamp & Grind in Burgess Hill, and it quickly became one of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on.
Capturing the Perfect View
Finding the right vantage point wasn’t easy. The viaduct sits slightly off the beaten track, and I wanted a viewpoint that truly showcased its breathtaking symmetry and elegance. Fortunately, I chose the perfect day to visit—20 May 2025—when the sky, light, and spring foliage were all at their peak.
That afternoon holds special meaning for me for another reason: it was the day our daughter Jo and partner Adam welcomed our grandson, Tate Moseley, into the world. Knowing that Tate was born just as I was gathering reference photos made the moment feel even more significant.
Britain’s “Most Elegant Viaduct”
The Ouse Valley Viaduct is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Built from over 11 million bricks, it has been described as “probably the most elegant viaduct in Britain.” Its sweeping arches practically demanded a little extra storytelling—so I added a steam locomotive racing across the top.
The engine depicted is ‘Tangmere’, a preserved Battle of Britain Class locomotive, chosen for its history, character, and sense of motion.
The Painting
The finished piece measures 80 x 54 cm, and it took around three months from first sketch to final brushstroke. Its scale, detail, and personal significance make it one of my favourite works to date.
If you’d like to own a version of this painting, prints in all sizes are available on my Etsy shop
Please contact me if you would like to know anything else at all about my art.
nigel wade art 