Potteries-born author Arnold Bennett’s (1867–1931) successful literary career saw him write over thirty novels, as well as short stories, plays, essays, reviews, film scenarios and lifestyle guides. Bennett was also a keen amateur artist and began painting early in his childhood. This passion remained with him throughout his life and sometimes served as a welcome distraction from his literary endeavours. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, holds an extensive, world-class collection of Bennett-related material, including clothing, photographs, documents and other ephemera.

Over 70 watercolours, drawings and prints by Bennett feature within this collection, with landscapes painted around Britain and on trips abroad, still-life paintings and interior scenes. This publication highlights over 25 watercolours by Bennett, revealing both his skills with a paintbrush and offering a glimpse of a somewhat private aspect of this famous author’s life.