Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are delighted to offer for auction this finely detailed, marine oil on canvas laid to board by the artist FRANK HENRY MASON, who has signed the painting in the lower left hand corner. The painting depicts a single funnelled cargo ship, which we understand to be a ship of the Furness Withy line, although we do not know which one. The ship is heading into heavy seas, with water streaming over its sides.

FRANK HENRY ALGERNON MASON RBA ROI RSMA was born on 1st October 1875 in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Co. Durham, the son of a clerk. He was educated at HMS Conway Naval Cadet school, Birkenhead from the age of twelve. He firstly went to sea, then trained as a marine engineer for steam powered ships, before going to Scarborough about 1891. He had always been interested in drawing but had had no formal training until he attended Scarborough School of Art and studied under Albert Strange. There was a very strong artistic community in Scarborough at that time and he socialised with them and with the artists at Staithes. In 1901 he became a founder member of the Staithes Art Group or Northern Impressionists.

During WWI he was appointed shipping war artist while being lieutenant in command of a motor launch in the North Sea and Egypt. The Imperial War Museum has 56 of his painting during this period.

After the war he travelled extensively in Europe painting primarily in watercolours. In the 1920s and 30s he also designed posters for the various railway and underground companies and passenger shipping lines.

In WWII he served in the Directorate of Camouflage, Naval Division.

He exhibited from 1900 onwards at the Royal Academy. in 1973 there was an exhibition of his work at the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. Galleries in Bradford, Dundee, Hartlepool and Whitby hold his work, as well as the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum. He was a full Member of the Royal Society of British Artist, the Royal Oil Painters Institute and the Royal Society of Marine Artists.

He wrote a book 'Ashore and Afloat' and co-wrote the book 'Water Colour Painting' with Fred Taylor.

He was a marine painter in oil and watercolour, etcher, illustrator and poster designer. He died on the 24th February 1965.

He was a prolific artists and auction results achieved for his work may be seen at artprice.com (969 listings), findartinfo.com (422), arcadja.com (276) and artnet.com.

The painting is framed in a 2" gilt frame and is ready to hang.

Medium Oils on board