William Edward Webb, Poole Harbour, Dorset

William Edward Webb, Poole Harbour, DorsetThis atmospheric late 19th century oil painting by British artist William Edward Webb (1862 1903) captures the quiet industry of Poole Harbour, Dorset. Painted with remarkable confidence, the work exemplifies Webbs ability to transform working maritime life into something akin to poetry. Our gaze is drawn gently into the harbour along a corridor of still water bordered by fishing boats and moored craft. On the right, dark hulls and rust coloured sails

He spotted the subtleties that tantalise the eye and produced works with various layers of delight

such as skulls and rotting fruit

11½” x 9” / 32cm x 23cm

Tucker was well-versed in the nuances of coastal views and particularly adept at composition

a distinguished architectural painter responsible for numerous high-profile commissions

his appearance suggests a life well lived - both socially and domestically

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 19½” x 26” / 50cm x 66cmYear of creation: 1929Provenance: DenmarkCondition: A few light scratches and a small pinhole in the top right but otherwise fine

each enriched with his insightful tuition and inspired by the scenery

he blended an advanced understanding of composition with a sympathetic eye and a keen wit

which was a welcome distraction during the aftermath of World War I

Short was born in Lyndhurst

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 15” x 17½” / 39cm x 45cmYear of creation: 1840Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable