William Howard Yorke, 1847-1921

Original canvas. There are fine lines of craquelure in places, particularly the sea. Ultraviolet light reveals overpainting to the sky and a thick line of retouching across the top edge; patches scattered elsewhere. Held in a simple gilt frame in fair condition.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The barque Framat is portrayed in port view, inward bound for Liverpool off the North Wales coast; the Skerries reef and lighthouse being visible on the left of the painting. She wears the pre-1905 Swedish ensign characterised by the old Union flag of Norway & Sweden in the canton, and is identifiable from her name at the bow. For recognition at a distance she displays her allotted Signal Letters H,F,J,B in the Commercial Code.

A topsail schooner features on the left and on the right is a paddle tug on the look out for custom. With the wind from the south east "Framat" will shortly need a tow, once in confined waters. The tug's funnel colours are those of HT Ward of Liverpool, her two funnels and single mast fitting the description of "p.s. British King".

According to the American Register of American & Foreign Shipping for 1883, "Framat" was built and registered at Sundsval, Sweden, in 1870 and still registered there in 1883- the date of the painting. Owned by GL Widholm of Sundsval she was commanded by Captain Helmqvist and her Signal Letters were H,F,J,B as correctly depicted by the artist. Measurements were 311 registered tons, 125.7ft. X 28.2ft. X 12ft. The indistinct portion of the heightened inscription is consistent with the commander's name Capt. Helmqvist.

We are grateful for the kind assistance of Sam Davidson in cataloguing this lot.