Eric Wale Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1916 - d. 2001

ERIC WALE
Born in Cape Town


Born and grew up in Cape Town. Educated Diocesan College and Cape Town University. B.A.; LLB degrees. Served throughout World War 2 first as flying instructor and then bomber pilot; thereafter practised as advocate in Cape Supreme Court. Thereafter, having studied art at Michaelis Art School began painting professionally in 1951.

Since early childhood has been a keen sea and fresh-water fisherman. Has owned and operated commercial fishing boats, cabin cruisers and a variety of yachts from sailing dinghies to deep-sea racing craft. Is therefore well-qualified to paint water in all its aspects. Described by Esme Berman in her book on South African Artists as one of our best-known marine artists. The Cape Times art critic (Benita Munitz), in reviewing Eric Wale’s 1988 exhibition, stated: “….fine renderings of the sea in all its moods … the sensation of water is so real that you can almost see sand and pebbles beneath the painted surface. Boats, too, are Wale’s territory. The many renditions of bots, sleek or neglected, old and new, proud or modest, reflect the artist’s interest, familiarity and knowledge. …..In this field of marine art Wale has few peers.”

Paints in oils, watercolours and acrylics. Has painted in 24 countries and his works are in collections throughout the world. Has had 16 successful one-man exhibitions.

Important commissions include: 15 large oils of ships for Safmarine and described in the press as one of the biggest commissions ever received by a South African artist; a painting depicting the final departure o the Windsor Castle from Cape town for the Union Castle Company’s London Headquarters; a battle scene for the South African Government; a portrait of the mayor of Cape Town (John Tyers) which hangs in the City Hall; painting of ex-State President John Vorster which hangs in P.E. University; a historic oil painting depicting the start of the first Cape to Rio Yacht Race for the Cape Town City Council and which hangs in the mayor’s parlour; six paintings in successive years for N.S.R.I. depicting their rescue vessels in action, for their annual national calendar; one of six paintings for Laing Organization of London (world’s biggest civil engineering contractors) for their clients throughout the world; painting for Murray and Roberts depicting the Nico Malan complex, the Civic Centre and the Good Hope Centre during the course of construction.

Several hundred works reproduced as Fine Art full-size pictures, greeting cards and calendars depicting South African landscapes, Bantu tribes, wildlife, birds and flowers.