Southampton Docks
c1963
oil on oil paper
13h x 17.7w (cm)
Private Collection (UK)
- Note from Richard to the ownerChristmas 1967: Dear R. I have been going through my paintings recently as I may be having a show soon in London. I turned up this delicate little painting of Southampton Docks on a rainy day. Unfortunately I hadn't put a date on it, probably about four years ago. It was done from the car on the shore road in Hythe. The liner was the Mauretania II and the Hythe ferry is ploughing its way past the Union Castle liner's bows. The Giant floating crane is on the left. I have been busy doing my own framing. These small ones are a bit of a problem and I think I have solved it. Please look after it, I am not in the habit of giving my life's work away, and when I have, it has sometimes been so badly looked after that I decided never again. Don't let it hang in a draught, don't hang it over a radiator, sudden changes of temperature are bad. I shall be sorry to part with it, but if you feel it is some compensation for not having the large "Berengaria" I shall be happy. Also, don't let it get stolen. Several of mine have been. (Insurance value £40.) I hope you (and all) will have a happy Xmas and New Year. ever yours Richard.
