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Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
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Large Victorian Painting Cornish Ship Wrecked
High Tide off Trebarwith Strand”
Dramatic Cornish Shipwreck Watercolour by Charles Sim Mottram RBA, 1894
Overview
A striking late-Victorian marine watercolour with bodycolour (white heightening) on paper by Charles Sim Mottram RBA (1852–1919), titled High Tide off Trebarwith Strand and dated 1894.
The subject is the wild north Cornish coast at Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel – a steep, cliff-backed beach facing directly onto the Atlantic, captured at the moment a full-rigged sailing vessel has run aground and is breaking up on unseen rocks.
This is an original 19th-century painting, not a print or reproduction.
Subject & Composition
Just beyond the line of surf, the ship has struck and is floundering in heavy seas. The stern lifts and drops in the swell, shattered masts and spars leaning at precarious angles, rigging hanging loose.
On the beach below the cliffs, a crowd of fishermen, lifeboat men and local villagers rush towards the water’s edge. Figures in sou’wester hats and work clothes brace themselves on the wet sand, hauling on heavy rope or netting that disappears into the surf. Others steady the line or point towards the wreck, while further back, women and children stand in anxious groups, shading their eyes as they watch the unfolding drama.
The composition is laid out as a panoramic strip, leading the viewer’s eye from the intimate foreground detail to the distant headland and low, advancing sky:
Foreground: reflective wet sand with footprints, tracks and shallow pools where the tide has recently retreated.
Midground: a strong diagonal of figures from the lower left into the centre of the scene, creating depth and narrative focus.
Distance: layered bands of heavy Atlantic rollers in blue-grey and green, capped with foam and spray, with the wrecked ship just beyond the main line of breakers.
Horizon: headland and lower cliffs closing the composition, with gulls wheeling above the wreck, giving scale and animation.
The overall effect is one of controlled drama: the power of the sea set against the courage and urgency of the coastal community.
Technique
Mottram combines broad, transparent washes with precise drawing and confident touches of bodycolour:
Sky and far distance handled in soft, transparent washes.
Cliffs, figures and wreck rendered with stronger modelling and clear draughtsmanship.
Foam, spray, rigging and highlights picked out in crisp, opaque white bodycolour.
The balance of atmospheric handling and sharply observed detail is characteristic of serious Victorian marine watercolour painting and is a key factor in the work’s quality and appeal.
The Artist: Charles Sim Mottram RBA
Charles Sim Mottram RBA was a respected late-Victorian marine and coastal painter. Based in London, he travelled extensively to the west and south-west coasts of Britain, with Cornwall providing many of his most dramatic subjects.
He specialised in:
Shipwrecks, lifeboat launches and storm-driven seas
Coastal rescues and maritime narratives
Harbour and shoreline scenes under varied weather conditions
He exhibited regularly in London, including at the Institute of Painters in Water Colours (later the Royal Institute). His work is prized for its accurate observation of sea and weather coupled with strong narrative content.
Mottram is occasionally confused with the earlier engraver Charles Mottram, but this painting is unequivocally by Charles Sim Mottram, the painter. The subject, period, signature and watercolour technique all accord perfectly with his known oeuvre. His Cornish subjects are especially sought after his St Ives works, for example, have achieved strong prices at auction.
Historical and Collecting Significance
This is a securely dated example (1894) of Mottram’s mature marine work, uniting:
A specific and much-loved Cornish location: Trebarwith Strand
A fully realised shipwreck and rescue narrative
A large, exhibition-style format
It not only captures the physical drama of the Atlantic surf on the north Cornish coast, but also the human story of a coastal community responding collectively to disaster.
The original late-19th-century exhibition-type label on the reverse is particularly important. It records:
The title: “High Tide”
The location: “off Trebarwith Strand”
The artist’s name
His London banking address: “c/o London & County Bank, High Holborn W.C.”
The original price in manuscript
This label links the work directly with the Victorian exhibition and retail system and confirms that it was presented as a significant professional piece rather than a casual sketch.
Provenance & Exhibition
Originally exhibited in a London watercolour exhibition in the late 19th century, consistent with practice at the Institute of Painters in Water Colours (later the Royal Institute).
Subsequently in private ownership in the United Kingdom.
Later in a private collection in Gwynedd, Wales, where both painting and original label were retained.
Offered and sold through a well-regarded North West auction house (label verso).
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD and exhibited in Atlantic Drama: Shipwrecks & Lifeboat Heroes on the Cornish Coast, Winter 2025, at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, among a group of important British marine and Cornish coastal works from private collections.
Now offered from this curated collection.
Signature
Signed lower right: “Chas S Mottram 94”
The signature is clear, confident and entirely consistent with other known examples by Charles Sim Mottram.
The artist again writes his name as “Chas S Mottram” on the original label verso, providing a second, independent confirmation of authorship in his own hand.
Frame and Glazing
The painting is presented in a high-quality gilt moulded Larson-Juhl frame, professionally fitted and sympathetic to both the date and subject of the work. An inner slip sets off the image and enhances the sense of depth.
Glazing: AR70 low-reflection glass, which:
Reduces glare significantly compared with standard glass
Offers enhanced UV filtration to help protect the delicate watercolour pigments
Greatly improves viewing in contemporary interiors under both natural and artificial light
The frame is recently installed, clean and smart, with only the most minor handling signs. The work is ready to hang.
The wide panoramic format and substantial overall size give the painting real presence. It is notably larger than many Victorian watercolours and works particularly well above a sofa, sideboard, fireplace or on a stairwell wall, where its breadth and narrative detail can be fully appreciated.
Why This Work Is Desirable
Dramatic late-Victorian shipwreck scene on the rugged north Cornish coast at Trebarwith Strand.
Large, exhibition-style watercolour with a commanding panoramic format.
Strong, well-documented attribution to Charles Sim Mottram RBA, with clear signature and original Victorian exhibition-type label giving title, location and London banking address.
Additional interest from its inclusion in a recent museum exhibition devoted to Cornish coastal drama and lifeboat heroism.
Combines regional, historical and maritime appeal with strong decorative impact in both traditional and modern interiors.
Professionally framed in a quality Larson-Juhl moulding with AR70 low-reflection, UV-filtering glass – presented to a high standard and ready to hang.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Dramatic Cornish Shipwreck Watercolour by Charles Sim Mottram RBA, 1894
Overview
A striking late-Victorian marine watercolour with bodycolour (white heightening) on paper by Charles Sim Mottram RBA (1852–1919), titled High Tide off Trebarwith Strand and dated 1894.
The subject is the wild north Cornish coast at Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel – a steep, cliff-backed beach facing directly onto the Atlantic, captured at the moment a full-rigged sailing vessel has run aground and is breaking up on unseen rocks.
This is an original 19th-century painting, not a print or reproduction.
Subject & Composition
Just beyond the line of surf, the ship has struck and is floundering in heavy seas. The stern lifts and drops in the swell, shattered masts and spars leaning at precarious angles, rigging hanging loose.
On the beach below the cliffs, a crowd of fishermen, lifeboat men and local villagers rush towards the water’s edge. Figures in sou’wester hats and work clothes brace themselves on the wet sand, hauling on heavy rope or netting that disappears into the surf. Others steady the line or point towards the wreck, while further back, women and children stand in anxious groups, shading their eyes as they watch the unfolding drama.
The composition is laid out as a panoramic strip, leading the viewer’s eye from the intimate foreground detail to the distant headland and low, advancing sky:
Foreground: reflective wet sand with footprints, tracks and shallow pools where the tide has recently retreated.
Midground: a strong diagonal of figures from the lower left into the centre of the scene, creating depth and narrative focus.
Distance: layered bands of heavy Atlantic rollers in blue-grey and green, capped with foam and spray, with the wrecked ship just beyond the main line of breakers.
Horizon: headland and lower cliffs closing the composition, with gulls wheeling above the wreck, giving scale and animation.
The overall effect is one of controlled drama: the power of the sea set against the courage and urgency of the coastal community.
Technique
Mottram combines broad, transparent washes with precise drawing and confident touches of bodycolour:
Sky and far distance handled in soft, transparent washes.
Cliffs, figures and wreck rendered with stronger modelling and clear draughtsmanship.
Foam, spray, rigging and highlights picked out in crisp, opaque white bodycolour.
The balance of atmospheric handling and sharply observed detail is characteristic of serious Victorian marine watercolour painting and is a key factor in the work’s quality and appeal.
The Artist: Charles Sim Mottram RBA
Charles Sim Mottram RBA was a respected late-Victorian marine and coastal painter. Based in London, he travelled extensively to the west and south-west coasts of Britain, with Cornwall providing many of his most dramatic subjects.
He specialised in:
Shipwrecks, lifeboat launches and storm-driven seas
Coastal rescues and maritime narratives
Harbour and shoreline scenes under varied weather conditions
He exhibited regularly in London, including at the Institute of Painters in Water Colours (later the Royal Institute). His work is prized for its accurate observation of sea and weather coupled with strong narrative content.
Mottram is occasionally confused with the earlier engraver Charles Mottram, but this painting is unequivocally by Charles Sim Mottram, the painter. The subject, period, signature and watercolour technique all accord perfectly with his known oeuvre. His Cornish subjects are especially sought after his St Ives works, for example, have achieved strong prices at auction.
Historical and Collecting Significance
This is a securely dated example (1894) of Mottram’s mature marine work, uniting:
A specific and much-loved Cornish location: Trebarwith Strand
A fully realised shipwreck and rescue narrative
A large, exhibition-style format
It not only captures the physical drama of the Atlantic surf on the north Cornish coast, but also the human story of a coastal community responding collectively to disaster.
The original late-19th-century exhibition-type label on the reverse is particularly important. It records:
The title: “High Tide”
The location: “off Trebarwith Strand”
The artist’s name
His London banking address: “c/o London & County Bank, High Holborn W.C.”
The original price in manuscript
This label links the work directly with the Victorian exhibition and retail system and confirms that it was presented as a significant professional piece rather than a casual sketch.
Provenance & Exhibition
Originally exhibited in a London watercolour exhibition in the late 19th century, consistent with practice at the Institute of Painters in Water Colours (later the Royal Institute).
Subsequently in private ownership in the United Kingdom.
Later in a private collection in Gwynedd, Wales, where both painting and original label were retained.
Offered and sold through a well-regarded North West auction house (label verso).
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD and exhibited in Atlantic Drama: Shipwrecks & Lifeboat Heroes on the Cornish Coast, Winter 2025, at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, among a group of important British marine and Cornish coastal works from private collections.
Now offered from this curated collection.
Signature
Signed lower right: “Chas S Mottram 94”
The signature is clear, confident and entirely consistent with other known examples by Charles Sim Mottram.
The artist again writes his name as “Chas S Mottram” on the original label verso, providing a second, independent confirmation of authorship in his own hand.
Frame and Glazing
The painting is presented in a high-quality gilt moulded Larson-Juhl frame, professionally fitted and sympathetic to both the date and subject of the work. An inner slip sets off the image and enhances the sense of depth.
Glazing: AR70 low-reflection glass, which:
Reduces glare significantly compared with standard glass
Offers enhanced UV filtration to help protect the delicate watercolour pigments
Greatly improves viewing in contemporary interiors under both natural and artificial light
The frame is recently installed, clean and smart, with only the most minor handling signs. The work is ready to hang.
The wide panoramic format and substantial overall size give the painting real presence. It is notably larger than many Victorian watercolours and works particularly well above a sofa, sideboard, fireplace or on a stairwell wall, where its breadth and narrative detail can be fully appreciated.
Why This Work Is Desirable
Dramatic late-Victorian shipwreck scene on the rugged north Cornish coast at Trebarwith Strand.
Large, exhibition-style watercolour with a commanding panoramic format.
Strong, well-documented attribution to Charles Sim Mottram RBA, with clear signature and original Victorian exhibition-type label giving title, location and London banking address.
Additional interest from its inclusion in a recent museum exhibition devoted to Cornish coastal drama and lifeboat heroism.
Combines regional, historical and maritime appeal with strong decorative impact in both traditional and modern interiors.
Professionally framed in a quality Larson-Juhl moulding with AR70 low-reflection, UV-filtering glass – presented to a high standard and ready to hang.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 30/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
DimensionsDimensions
Approximate framed size:
Height: 67.5 cm
Width: 109.5 cm
Depth: 3 cm
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Watercolours
Date 1894
Late Victorian Antiques Material Painted
Origin British
Condition Condition
The watercolour presents very well for its age
Colours remain strong and atmospheric, without obvious fading to sea or sky when viewed through the glass.
The sheet appears flat and properly supported within the frame, with no pronounced cockling visible from the front.
No tears, holes or visible repairs are apparent under normal viewing conditions.
The original exhibition-type label on the reverse is heavily browned, with foxing, staining and some paper losses, exactly as expected of a genuine late-19th-century label that has travelled with the work for more than a century. The inscription remains legible, and the label is stable and securely attached.
The painting has not been examined out of the frame and is sold as seen. As with all authentic Victorian works on paper, minor age-related characteristics should be anticipated and are an integral part of its charm and provenance.
Shipping
The painting will be professionally packed, tracked and fully insured for worldwide delivery.
Item code as1013a1293
Status For Sale
£10000.00 
$13473.00
€11457.00
$13473.00
€11457.00
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 30/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
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