Barge-Crowded Water

 Barge-Crowded Water

Barge-Crowded Water, oil on canvas, 76 cm x 102 cm

As we travel along the River Hull inland we can see boats and barges moored up. In days gone by the river would have been heaving with rivercraft. Larkin referred to it as "barge-crowded water" (Here", 1961).

Today, the aged wooded staging stands exposed, but it still serves its purpose as mooring for the few craft which now navigate the passage.

Old maritime buildings line the route, such as the former Trinity House Buoy Shed. Built in 1901 the buoy shed demonstrates its prestige as a rare example of a building owned by the ancient guild of mariners. It is a Grade II Listed Building. Fronting the river we can still see the Trinity House Coat of Arms.

I aimed to capture the atmosphere of the scene, reflecting today, but also with memories of  the past.

Pencil Sketches

The Coat of Arms, Former Trinity House Buoy Shed:

Spes Super Sydera (Hope Beyond the Stars), etching