Gallery
Alfred Wallis (1855-1942)
Schooner approaching Harbour, 1930
Schooner approaching Harbour possesses a child-like quality but still captures the bustle of a working seaport. Safety is suggested by the white calm sea behind the harbour wall in contrast to the darker stormy sea in the distance. The schooner, with resplendent full red sails links these two worlds. Wallis's quirky ideas of perspective are represented in the angled lighthouse and primitive moored fishing boats. The tin tray is signed in the bottom left.
Alfred Wallis
Wallis was born in Devonport but spent most of his life as a fisherman in St Ives. Following his wife's death he took up painting, in his own words 'for company'. He gave status to items he liked through size and colour, subjects he disliked he miniaturized in his pieces, for example the Lighthouse in the above painting. A heavy influence on Ben Nicholson he is only now gaining respect
Activities, discussions and questions
» Use the painting to discuss perspective. How has Wallis shown a 3D space on a 2D object? What is the most important object in the painting and why?
» Alfred Wallis would use found material to paint on such as cardboard boxes and driftwood. Think about using different things to paint on, perhaps think about making art as a way of recycling.
Alfred Wallis (1855-1942)
Schooner approaching Harbour, 1930
Material: Oil on metal
Dimensions: 32.1 cm x 41.2 cm
Place made: England
Accession No: CVCSC.0066.F
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