Two Colliers [coal ships] get underway
from Newcastle upon Tyne bound for London in the summer
of 1765. This view depicts the city before the Industrial
Revolution brought great changes to the area. It was here
that the young James Cook spent his formative years on
board the ship "Freelove."
The "Freelove" like hundreds
of other such vessels spent their time carrying coal to
London. The lessons that apprentice Cook learned in seamanship
and coastal navigation in these tidal waters would serve
him well as he took similar ships such as the "Freelove"
into dangerous uncharted seas on the other side of the
globe.
The painting itself is done in the traditional
style and materials. Two coasts of Rabbit Skin glue are
applied over the finest Belgian linen followed by a Gesso
and oils. The canvas measures 48 inches wide by 30 inches
high.
30 x 48 in. original
oil painting on linen
