The life of famous artist Reuben Chappell is due to go under the spotlight next week during an evening lecture at the Maritime Museum.
On Wednesday 24 January, Cornish artist and author Robert Jones will be giving an illustrated talk on the intriguing life and works of Pierhead' painter Reuben Chappell. Starting at 6.30pm, the evening lecture will be followed by an optional after-talk buffet in the Museum's Waterside Caf.
Talk-attendees will also get the opportunity to see a selection of Chappell's most-significant artwork in the Museum's Packet Gallery, which lecturer Robert Jones helped to curate.
Moving from Yorkshire, Chappell lived and painted in Cornwall from 1904 until his death in 1940 and the current exhibition includes works painted in his hometown, the Yorkshire Port of Goole, and during his time at Par, Charlestown and Fowey.
Pierhead' painters specialised in painting portraits of ships. Hardworking, they often sought commission from ships visiting their own ports to sell their paintings to sailors and captains. Self-taught, Chappell's long career spanned the great change in shipping from sail to steam and it is believed he painted more than 12,000 portraits, effectively narrating the shift in design, materials and capacity of ships. Despite the trade being discarded by most at the time, Chappell's artwork has become greatly sought-after and, with so many of his paintings carried all over the globe, it is no wonder that his inimitable style is now celebrated world-wide.
Robert Jones' recently published book Reuben Chappell - Pierhead Painter' illustratively describes Chappell's fascinating life, offering page upon page of beautiful artwork, and is currently available to buy from the Museum shop.
Poignantly describing Chappell's artwork, Jones says: "They are unique records of a way of life that has gone forever".
Tickets to hear Robert Jones' talk on 24 January cost £6 and can be booked in advance by calling 01326 214557. Or to stay after the talk to discuss your findings over a two-course buffet as well, tickets cost £15.
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