Frank Shipsides (1908-2005) - 1980 Watercolour Five Masted Barque, 'Kobenhavn'

Description

A watercolour depicting a fine Danish, British-built five-masted barque named Kobenhavn that was used as a naval training vessel until its disappearance after December 22, 1928. Built for the Danish East Asiatic Company in 1921, it was the world's largest sailing ship at the time and primarily served for sail training of young cadets. Presented glazed in a grey mount and a gilt-effect wooden frame. Signed and dated to the lower-right edge. The name of the ship is inscribed in graphite to the lower-left edge of the mount and there is a graphite sketch of the ship to the lower-right edge of the mount. Bristol Savages exhibition label on the verso that includes the date. There is a further label on the verso inscribed with details about the ship. On watercolour paper.

Condition

There is some slight discolouration and a couple of small dents to the frame. Overall well-presented and in very good condition.

Size

36.6 x 51.8cm (14.4" x 20.4")
Framed Size: 58.1 x 69.9cm (22.9" x 27.5")

Artist Biography

Frank Winston Shipsides (1908-2005) was a British artist, notable for marine paintings and illustrations of Bristol. He was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and attended Mansfield College of Art in 1923 before studying under Joseph Else at Nottingham College of Art, 1925. His first job was with a firm of tin box and tray makers for whom he designed the decorations on their products. At the age of 60, he retired from work with the advertising agency Mardons in Bristol and worked on his favourite subject of marine paintings. Shipsides was a leading member of Bristol Savages, showing widely in the west of England, and had a series of solo exhibitions at Alexander Gallery in Bristol, where he lived. His work was popular locally with queues forming on private view nights. Among many commissions, paintings by him hang in the city's Council House. Another commission from Bristol City Council was to produce a painting to commemorate the Queen's visit to Bristol to open the Heritage Maritime Museum. In 1977, he was invited by the publisher John Sansom to contribute pen and ink illustrations to his Bristol Impressions; they later collaborated again in Frank Shipsides' Bristol, 1984.