PAINTING
Dimensions51.5 x 62.8 cm
Object numberHF.91.10.1
DescriptionFramed oil painting of the Kelso, a top sail schooner. This painting depicts the schooner in rough seas with the top and two jib sails furled. The black hull has the ship's name painted in white near the bow. Near the stern of the ship, there is a small cabin that has the top painted with a Blue Ensign. A lifeboat is located near the centre of the schooner. Six seagulls are featured near the bow of the ship. Title of the painting: "Kelso".
Narrative
The Kelso was built at Souris in 1867. Owned and built by John Douse of Charlottetown, the schooner was sold to John and William Besley in 1868 at Bridgewater, England. The Besleys were ropemakers and fisherman in the nearby harbour town of Watchet. Unfortunately, the Kelso, loaded with ballast, was lost to a storm in the Bristol Channel while making passage between Ireland and Watchet, under the command of Captain William Webber.
Thomas Chidgey, the artist of this painting, was from a family long established in the coasting trade in Watchet. He was sent to work at sea as a young boy and taught himself to paint in his spare time. His ability to illustrate intricate rigging and sail structure speaks to his skill as a painter but also his first hard knowledge as a sailor. Chidgey eventually became a Captain. His detailed depictions of the collection of ships that came through Watchet Harbour contribute to the valuable historical record for the movement of PEI built ships.
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