William L. Wyllie (1851-1931) – Etching- “The Mine Swept Channel”- Signed
An atmospheric, signed etching by W.l Wyllie. The etching shows a flotilla of WW1 minesweepers in the English Channel working their way to make the waterways safe. The ships are evenly spaced within the mid ground of the page with a choppy sea to the foreground and a dutch sky claiming the remainder of the page.
The etching has been re-framed to compliment the piece. The original framers label has been preserved to the back.
The etching has been signed in pencil to the lower left.
~ William Lionel Wyllie (R.A.) ~
William Lionel Wyllie R.A was born on the 5th July 1851 in London. W L Wyllie studied at Heatherleys and later at The Royal Academy Schools where in 1869 he won the Turner medal. It was here he studied under the great artists of the time, including Landseer, Leighton and Millais. He moved to Portsmouth in 1907.
During the First World War the Admiralty gave him permission to travel on many of the naval ships, where he produced a significant number of drawings, many of which are available here as black and white and coloured book plates of the period. One of his major works was commissioned by the United Services Club in 1926, the painting being the Battle of Jutland. William Lionel Wyllie died on the 6th April 1931. He certainly was one of the leading naval and maritime artists of the Victorian and Edwardian Periods.
~ Dimensions ~
The frame measures 20.5 inches (52cm) wide by 11 inches (28cm) high. The etching itself is approximately 13 inches (33cm) by 3.5 inches (9cm).
~ Condition ~
The etching is in great condition with no signs of foxing. The piece has just been re-framed to a high standard.