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Lot Essay
Brangwyn first visited Cornwall in October 1887, sponsored by Frederick Mills, head of a London firm of artists' colourmen who had a reputation for helping young artists in financial need. On arriving at Mevagissey Brangwyn was instantly enthralled by the hustle and bustle of the waterfront: 'The whole harbour was filled with boats and men getting ready for the fishing; it was a sight that knocked me silly'. With the end of Mills' allowance in the winter of 1888 Brangwyn was forced to move back to London, but he returned to Cornwall on numerous occasions throughout his life.
When in 1888 Brangwyn exhibited Barkstrippers at the Royal Academy, several critics discussed his work in the context of exhibits from the Newlyn School of painters. Although Brangwyn was never seriously affiliated to the school, travelling to and from Cornwall over a period of several months as a free agent, he was undoubtedly influenced by the colony's plein air approach to rural subjects. Painted in 1889, the present view of St. Ives in which two old fishermen and a young boy relax on the harbour wall, is notable for the artist's subtle handling of light.
When in 1888 Brangwyn exhibited Barkstrippers at the Royal Academy, several critics discussed his work in the context of exhibits from the Newlyn School of painters. Although Brangwyn was never seriously affiliated to the school, travelling to and from Cornwall over a period of several months as a free agent, he was undoubtedly influenced by the colony's plein air approach to rural subjects. Painted in 1889, the present view of St. Ives in which two old fishermen and a young boy relax on the harbour wall, is notable for the artist's subtle handling of light.