-
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
Karel Doorman About to Sail
Watercolour 15 x 23 cm (sheet size 99 x 73 cm) Signed to backing board, with extensive inscription by Dunn. HNLMS Karel Doorman (R81) was a Colossus-class aircraft carrier of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Formerly the British ship HMS Venerable, she was sold to the Netherlands in 1948 as a light attack carrier. In 1960, she was involved in the decolonization conflict in Western New Guinea with Indonesia. In the mid 1960s, her role was changed to anti-submarine warfare carrier and only ASW aircraft and helicopters were carried. An engine room fire took her out of service in 1968. She was sold to Argentina in 1969 and renamed ARA Veinticinco de Mayo. Laurence Dunn was an artist known for his depictions of ships. He grew up in Devon, where he practised drawing passing ships, and went on to study at the Central School of Art. He then worked for shipbuilding firm John I. Thornycroft & Company Limited, where he assisted with the design of the royal yacht.During the Second World War, Dunn worked for naval intelligence. In the early 1960s he created many line drawings of Atlantic ocean liners. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for Laurence Dunn in 2006: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. Condition: very good. If you'd like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Julian Trevelyan (1910-1988)
Spinnakers (1972)
Etching 48 x 35 cm (sheet size 68 x 55 cm) Signed in pencil and numbered 1/65. The Tate holds number 24/56 - reference P01330. Small vessels weave around two great boats with striped masts, observed by a dark sky full of geometric clouds. A red buoy bobs in the foreground, and the heavily textured sea and sky blend into one. Nephew of the historian G M Trevelyan, Julian Trevelyan was educated at Bedales and then at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read English. After moving to Paris, Trevelyan studied engraving at Stanley William Hayter’s school, working alongside artists such as Max Ernst, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. He married the potter Ursula Darwin in 1934, and in 1935 they moved to Hammersmith, buying Durham Wharf beside the River Thames which was Trevelyan’s studio – and home – for the rest of his life. His wartime service was – like so many artists – as a camoufleur. A Royal Engineer from 1940-43, he served in North Africa and Palestine, forcing the German Afrika Korps to use resources against a dummy army whilst real tanks were disguised as more harmless equipment. In the desert, nothing could be hidden - but it could be disguised. Following the dissolution of his marriage in 1950, he married the painter Mary Fedden. Teaching at Chelsea School of Art, Trevelyan eventually became head of the Etching Department and his pupils included David Hockney and Peter Ackroyd. Condition: generally very good. Mounted to board. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Sydney Vale F. R. S. A. (1916 - 1991)
A warship passing under Tower Bridge
Watercolour 35 x 50 cm Born in 1916, Sydney Vale was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the prestigious Wapping Group of Artists from 1972 to 1991, which was formed primarily to record life in London's Docklands. Within this group, Vale and his contemporaries specialised in portraying the charm and romance of the River Thames from source to estuary. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
SS New Brooklyn (c.1927)
4 x 17 cm Ink and bodycolour on paper SS New Brooklyn was built in Belfast by Harland & Wolff in 1920 for Elder Dempster & Co, and was known initially as New Romance. In 1954, she was sold to Mageolia Nav SA, Panama and renamed Marianna. She was scrapped in 1959 at La Spezia. She was an 'N' Type fabricated ship with straight frames which was introduced in 1917 to utilise the capacity of bridge building companies which had very little of their normal bridge-building work to do during the war. Dunn's drawings of coastal tramps are early works, likely sketched from the side of the Thames estuary near his home. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for the well-published maritime artist and writer in 2006: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. Condition: Generally very good, slight toning to paper. If you'd like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
SS Pinhel Lisboa (c.1927)
4 x 17 cm Ink and bodycolour on paper Dunn's drawings of coastal tramps are early works, likely sketched from the side of the Thames estuary near his home. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for the well-published maritime artist and writer in 2006: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. Condition: Generally very good, slight toning to paper. If you'd like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
SS Denmark Maru (c.1927)
4 x 17 cm Ink and bodycolour on paper SS Denmark Maru was built by Kawasaki Shipyard Co in Japan. Until 1935 she was in service on K Line's Hamburg - New York route. Dunn's drawings of coastal tramps are early works, likely sketched from the side of the Thames estuary near his home. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for the well-published maritime artist and writer in 2006: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. Condition: Generally very good, slight toning to paper. If you'd like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
SS Zrinski (c.1925)
4 x 17 cm Ink and bodycolour on paper Zrinski was built by the Northumberland Shipbuilding Co Ltd. Following a period in Norwegian ownership it was transferred to Yugoslavian ownership in 1927. In 1940 it was acquired by the Crest Shipping Co Ltd, and sunk by German U-Boat U-140 on 8 December 1940 - as SS Ashcrest. Dunn's drawings of coastal tramps are early works, likely sketched from the side of the Thames estuary near his home. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for the well-published maritime artist and writer in 2006: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. Condition: Generally very good, slight toning to paper. If you'd like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Charles Pulsford ARSA (1912-1989)
Abstract Harbour
Watercolour 36 x 46 cm Signed lower right. Pulsford was born in Staffordshire to Scottish parents. His family returned to Dunfermline when he was a child, and he subsequently attended Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) between 1933 and 1937. He, along with other prominent Scottish artists, embraced modernism and abstraction following the end of the war. Alan Davie, William Turnbull, William Gear and Eduardo Paolozzi are the key artists of the group with which he was association, and the National Galleries of Scotland regard Pulsford as the 'fifth man' of the group. Between 1952 and 1960 he taught at ECA and then at Canterbury College of Art. Provenance: the artist, the residual stock of William Hardie Gallery. Condition: Generally very good, in fine hand-finished frame. If you are interested, email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Florence Camm (1874-1960)
Stained Glass Window Design with Red Sailing Ship
Watercolour 6.5x34cm Condition: Some spotting to image; mounted to board - see image. Click for biographical details and other works by Camm. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
Port of London Authority 'PLA' Monstrosity Boat Drawing (c.1950s)
17 x 22.5 cm Signed Pencil drawing of PLA ship before industrial plant, inscribed 'PLA Monstrosity.' Dunn was a well known marine artist and writer. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for Dunn. DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
Coal Barge (c.1950)
12.5 x 25 cm Watercolour and ink Signed 'L Dunn' lower left Extensively inscribed to bottom corners, including comments 'coal should be lighter' indicating this is a preliminary watercolour for a future painting. He also makes reference to the continued existence of a 'wartime wooden bulkhead' - added to make the ship more resilient in the event of enemy action. Laurence Dunn (1910-2006) was a well-known British marine artist and writer. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for Dunn: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006)
Drawing of the 'Easton' Canadian laker steamer (c.1950s)
21 x 12.5 cm Pencil Extensively inscribed. Sketch of the ship of the "Easton" in harbour. Dunn has included notes about its colour, presumably for a future painting. Dunn was a well known marine artist and writer. The World Ship Society published the following obituary for Dunn. DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. -
Henry Cliffe (1919-1983) Abstract Harbour
Etching Mid 20th Century 13x19cm Click here for biographical details and other pictures by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good. -
Anonymous
Holland via Harwich Original Vintage Poster
Lithograph 98.5x61cm 102x64cm including frame If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally good, slight water mark in upper left corner. -
Peter Collins ARCA (1923-200 Royal Naval Bandsman
Black paint 44x27cm Provenance: The Artist's Studio If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally good, a little gentle spotting. Click here for other items by the artist and for biographical details. -
Pat Keely (d. 1970) The Royal Navy
75x51cm Original lithographic poster 1939 Printed for HMSO by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son Ltd, London If your age is from 17 1/2 to 28 and you have at least 2 1/2 years' experience in any of the following trades: Ground Engineer (Civil Aviation) General Fitter Millwright Jig & Tool Fitter etc. Why not join the new Fleet Air Arm as Air Fitter or Air Rigger Generous Pay and Allowances - Really Secure Employment Good Prospects of Early Advancement to Air Artificer Little is known of the life of the rather private Pat Keely, a prolific and excellent designer of posters. He designed the World Scout Jamboree 4d stamp in 1957 and produced many posters for the British Government. In this excellent poster three aeroplanes are seen landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier; although somewhat stylised they are likely to be the Blackburn Skua. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very good. -
A E Agar (artist) Original passenger list brochure for Shaw Savill Albion Line, c. 1940s or 1950s.
24x34cm (approx) Provenance: the artist's estate As new, unissued printer's proof. Could be trimmed to the brochure size if desired. Fine image of ocean liner to front cover, map - via Panama Canal - to back cover. From the great age of Ocean Liners. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Excellent. -
Laurence Dunn (1910-2006) Otra
Gouache 11.5x18cm Inscribed to reverse 'Rough sketch for painting of "Otra" commissioned for Capt. F.E. Eagle, whose favourite command she was' and signed 'Laurence Dunn' The World Ship Society published the following obituary for Dunn: DUNN, Laurence. [December 15 2006 — Lloyds List] Many readers will be saddened by the death of well-known marine artist and writer Laurence Dunn in his 97th year. A man of encyclopaedic knowledge, he began his lifelong love of ships in Brixham, where he meticulously recorded passing traffic with the exquisitely accurate line drawings which later became something of a trademark. While studying at London’s Central School of Art his work was noticed by the Southern Railway, which commissioned profiles of its fleet, and this in turn led to work for Orient Line, where he also designed the well-known corn-coloured hull, and later Thorneycroft, where he helped with shaping draft plans for a new royal yacht. During the second world was he worked for naval intelligence at the Admiralty, where his technique did much to improve recognition standards, and greatly expanded his shipping clientele, becoming personally known to many chairmen. As well as the shipping press he worked for mainstream publications such as Everybody’s, Sphere and the upmarket comic Eagle. Through his many contacts he enjoyed going to sea in a great variety of ships from aircraft carriers to colliers. Laurence wrote several books, starting with ship recognition titles which introduced new standards of layout, but his best known work was probably Passenger Liners, which was widely taken up by the travel trade. His love of Greece, where he was an early publicist of island cruising, let to involvement in reshaping various passenger liners beginning with Greek Line’s OLYMPIA. In later life he designed several sets of shipping stamps for the Crown Agents, produced photographic volumes on Thames and Mediterranean shipping and still found time to enjoy the passing Thames traffic. Our sympathies go to his wife Jennifer, who provided succour to the many ship lovers who beat a path to the welcoming door of their Gravesend home. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Excellent. -
Claude Muncaster (1903-1974) Liverpool Docks
Dated 1928 Inscribed to reverse Watercolour 28x37cm Muncaster's watercolours capture the English countryside feel with great competence and feeling. Here he records the docks at Liverpool, a busy scene with splashes of bright paint enlivening the otherwise dull smoky port. Liverpool Claude Grahame Muncaster, RWS, ROI, RBA, SMA was the son of Oliver Hall RA. At the age of fifteen his career as a landscape painter began, and he soon took to the seas, spending the 1920s and 30s travelling the world with his sketchbook in a series of vessels. With the outbreak of war and he joined the RNVR training as a navigator. Having left school at fifteen his mathematics was very weak and it was a relief for all when his artistic talents meant he was recruited as a camofleur. A master of capturing seascapes he was therefore able to hide huge ships ‘in plain sight’ with clever disguises. After the war he painted for the Royal Family and was a frequent guest at Sandringham. Claude Muncaster was a watercolourist known for his landscapes and maritime scenes. He was born Grahame Hall, the son of the Royal Academician Oliver Hall who taught his son to paint from an early age; Grahame first exhibited his work aged 15 and a few years later was showing at the RA. However, he adopted the name Claude Muncaster in 1922 to dissociate his career from that of his father. Muncaster’s primary choice of subject matter came from a genuine love of the sea. He made several long-distance sea voyages, including one around the Horn as a deckhand in the windjammer Olivebank in 1931, which he described in ‘Rolling Round the Horn’, published in 1933. Armed with a sketchbook, his aim was to be able to ‘paint ships and the sea with greater authority’. This he certainly achieved, perfectly capturing the limpid first light of morning over the Port of Aden, the choppy rain-grey waters of the Bay of Biscay and a streak of sunlight through gathering storm clouds at dusk in Exeter. He became an Associate of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1931 and was a founder member, and later President, of the Royal Society of Marine Artists. During the Second World War, Muncaster served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) from 1940-44, training as a navigator before going on to advise on the camouflage of ships, and also worked as an official war artist. In ‘Still Morning at Aden’ (1944) he depicts Allied warships in this safe anchorage in the Middle East; the back is stamped with Admiralty approval. In 1946-7 he was commissioned by the Queen to produce watercolours of the royal residences at Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral; the Duke of Edinburgh, in a foreword to a biography of Muncaster, recalls looking at these and considering the artist’s ‘unerring instinct for a subject’, his sense of atmosphere. Other commissions included large panoramas of the Thames and of Bradford. His career also included work as an etcher, illustrator, writer, lecturer and broadcaster, and his paintings can be found in the Royal Academy, Tate, National Maritime Museum Cornwall, National Railway Museum and Royal Air Force Museum. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Conservation mounted and wrapped in transparent sleeve for protection; slight toning to extremities and possibly some loss of colour from sky.
