William L. Wyllie (1851-1931) – Etching- First World War Cruisers in Harbour – Signed
A framed Wyllie etching depicting a scene of Royal Navy cruisers in harbour. The piece looks to be set on a cool grey morning with perhaps a touch of rain to the air. To the left of the image are four cruisers lined up, with a further two to the right. The ships look to be getting ready for the day. Plumes of smoke are beginning to appear from the chimneys as the engines are revved, the decks swarming with men going about their daily orders. Between the lines of ships are several smaller vessels crewed by sailors.
Within this etching Wyllie has created a snap shot into the everyday routine of these men and the ships on which they served. With such fine attention to detail using the simplest of marks this etching has a wonderful feeling of movement and nostalgia.
The etching has been signed in pencil to the lower left.
The etching has just been re framed to a high standard to compliment and enhance the style and mood of the piece.
~ 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 15.25 inches (39cm) long by 10.75 inches (27.5cm). The etching measures approximately 8.5 inches (22cm) by 4 inches (10cm).
~ Condition ~
The etching is in very good condition with no signs of foxing. It has just been re-framed to a high standard.