The Battle of Medway 1667

A year of research and development has finally come together with "The Battle of Medway" commemoration this month.

I was commissioned at the end of 2015 to paint six illustrations to help explain the Dutch Raid on the King's fleet moored on the River Medway in 1667. Also to give a demonstration of my painting techniques and a lecture of my research.

Painting demonstration at Upnor Castle

Website of the Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Illustrations have been extensively used to promote the event by the Guildhall Museum Rochester and the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

The original artworks are now on exhibition at the Visitor Center on Rochester High Street and part of the "Of Fireships & Iron" Exhibition along with local printmakers commissioned to produce unique work to support the The Battle of Medway celebrations.

http://www.medway.gov.uk/leisurecultureandsport/arts/rochesterartgallery.aspx

The exhibition will run until 28 August 2017.

Following that the artwork will be on permanent exhibition at Upnor Castle.

The River Medway 1825

The second finished painting inspired by JMW Turner's sketches done on the River Medway. This view along Chatham Reach shows the Naval storehouses lining the river. In the foreground an old 74 gun ship of the line is recommissioning and is moored alongside an accommodation hulk. To the right a frigate is in the process of getting underway to catch the evening tide.

Although I used one of Turner's sketches for the position of several of the vessels I have altered the viewing angle and composition to add a little depth and drama.

Evening tide, Chatham 1825