'Old Southampton', Lansdowne Castle

This topographical painting depicts Southampton from the vantage point of Lansdowne Castle, created by John Tobias Young, a British artist who practiced primarily in Southampton until his death in 1824. Young was known for his scenic work and local topographical views of the Hampshire area, and the Southampton City Museums collection includes several such paintings documenting the town and its surroundings during the early 19th century. Young also exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1816 and 1817, and was noted for his theatrical scene painting, having created scenery for Lord Barrymore's private theatre at Wargrave.

This work captures 'Old Southampton' — the historic port town before its later Victorian expansion. Views like this served as both artistic records and nostalgic commemorations of a changing landscape during Britain's period of rapid urban growth. Young lived at 1 Hanover Buildings in Southampton, giving him intimate familiarity with the town's character and topography. His local reputation was strong, though his wider recognition remained limited. Works like this offer valuable documentary evidence of Southampton's appearance in the Georgian and Regency periods, preserving architectural and landscape features that may have since disappeared or been dramatically altered.