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The Inner Harbour, Douglas

Date made: 1909

Artist: Collister, Alfred James

Description: The North Quay, Douglas Harbour has always been a popular view for local and visiting artists. The array of shipping tied up at the quayside, the hustle and bustle of the market, together with the variety of buildings along the quay meant there was always something to inspire and catch the artist’s eye. A popular scene, the subject matter proved commercially lucrative for artists. Collister has chosen as his view North Quay from outside the British Hotel, looking past Douglas market (notice the market stalls on the left-hand side) towards the harbour mouth and the Red Pier in the distance. The watercolour is relatively impressionistic with little precise detail. Central is the large timber brig, with a further smaller boat tied at South Quay. 'The Inner Harbour, Douglas', as with many impressionist watercolours, is best viewed at a distance from which to appreciate the overall composition. Background: The painting is undated, making it difficult to know whether Collister painted the scene directly from life or later from memory. This view changed dramatically following the demolition of Old St Matthew’s Church in 1895 and the building of the new covered market halls. It is also possible Collister based this watercolour on paintings by John Miller Nicholson which were frequently exhibited on the Island from 1880 onwards. Comparisons: 'The Inner Harbour, Douglas' is similar in subject to paintings by John Miller Nicholson of shipping tied up at the North Quay, though Collister’s colour palette is quite different.

Measurements: unframed artwork: 12 cm x 16.5 cm

Materials: oil on board

Object name: painting

Collection: Art Collection

ID number: 1987-0154

Subject tags : Isle of Man

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