Constable rented a house at Hampstead for his family almost every summer between 1819 and 1826. In 1827, he moved there more permanently, whilst still keeping on his studio in London. In this way he combined the advantages of both locations. He wrote to his friend Fisher 'I am three miles from door to door - can have a message in an hour - & I can always get away from idle callers - and above all see nature - & unite a town & country life.'

 

The views in Hampstead, looking westward and north-westward over Branch Hill Pond, were subjects Constable sketched again and again.