The ship painting at 4 Market Street in Tavistock has garnered attention from experts across various fields, each bringing their own insights and knowledge to the table. Maritime historian Dr. Ian Friel, known for his work with the National Maritime Museum and the Mary Rose Trust, was particularly excited by the find. He identified the ship as a war carrack, a type of vessel used in the Tudor navy, and noted its historical significance.
Dr. Friel pointed out several features in the painting that indicated it was a warship. These included two guns in the waist with typical wrought-iron banding, anti-boarding netting over the waist, and detailed rigging with the foresail rigged and the mainsail furled. He suggested that the artist either had a deep knowledge of ships or was working from a detailed drawing by someone with seafaring experience. Dr. Friel also compared the painting to those in the Anthony Roll, a 1540s inventory of ships in the Tudor navy, and found similarities in style and detail.
Art conservation expert Ruth McNeilage conducted a thorough analysis of the painting and its pigments. Her findings confirmed that the painting was applied to a white limewash layer, and she identified the various pigments used, including the significant discovery of green verditer. Ruth's analysis suggested that the painting dates from the later half of the 16th century. She also noted the accuracy of the painting, indicating it was likely copied from a drawing or print, and highlighted the skill of the artist, whether a member of the painters-stainers company or a local plasterer.
The painting’s historical context was further explored by examining other 16th-century ship paintings. Comparisons were made with ship depictions in the Anthony Roll, as well as the 1545 battle in the Solent shown in a panel painting from Cowdray House, West Sussex. These comparisons helped establish the painting’s significance and authenticity, placing it within the broader context of Tudor maritime art.
The combined insights from Dr. Friel and Ruth McNeilage provide a deeper understanding of the ship painting. Their expertise highlights the painting's historical and artistic value, emphasizing its importance as a rare and significant find. As we continue to delve into its story, we gain a richer appreciation of the painting and its place in the maritime history of the Tudor period.
You cna find more about Tavsitock's Maritime Legacy on September 6th 2024 during Tavistock's Heritage Open Days. Dr. Geri Parlby, Chair of Tavistock Heitage Trust is giving a talk in the Guildhall Heritage Centre at 16:30. The talk is FREE but it's probably best to reserve a seat. You can reserve a seat bu following the link - RESERVE ME A SEAT
In advance of the official launch you can see the full interpretive diaplay about the Ship Painting in the Guilhall Heritage Centre. It's a wonderful multimedia exhibition and it's also FREE.
Tavistock Heritage Trust are working with partners to restore and save the painting if you would like to make a small donation to support this valuable work please follow this link.
If you would like to find out more about the array of projects Tavistock Heritage Trust are currently involved in follow this link https://www.heritageintavistock.org/our-projects
The Ship Painting Project is a Tavistock Heritage Project in conjunction with Tavistock Town Council and supported by Devon County Council and TIDE and Interreg.
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