Lot 140: John Henry Frederick Bacon (British, c.1865-1914)

'In commemoration of the opening of Seaham Dock by the Right Honourable A.J.Balfour, November 1905'
signed 'John H.F. Bacon' and dated 06 (lower left), signed and inscribed with artist's address on label on reverse
oil on canvas
106.7 x 177.8cm. (42 x 70in.) in a 19th. Century tabernacle frame

The original harbour at Seaham, Co. Durham, was built by the Marquis of Londonderry in 1828 as an outlet for the coal mined in his collieries. By the turn of the twentieth century, a very productive pit on the coast at Dawdon had been established and it was clear that the old facilities at Seaham Harbour needed to be enlarged. The South Dock complex was therefore constructed to handle the increased traffic and Lord Londonderry, the owner of both mines and harbour, asked the Prime Minister to come to Seaham and perform the opening ceremony. Arthur Balfour was Conservative Prime Minister from 1902-05 and the 6th Marquis of Londonderry was a member of his administration, serving as President of the Board of Education (1902-05) and also Lord-President of the Council (1903-05).

The dignitaries listed are as follows :- Mr. Berwick, Mr Meek C.E., Mr. Gask, Mr. Grimes, Mr. H. Wake C.E., The Hon. Maurine Stewart, Lord Stewart, Viscountess Castlereach, Lord Hugh Cecil, The Marquis of Londonderry, Viscount Castlereach, The Marchioness of Londonderry, Lord Farquhar, Lord Tweedmouth, Lady Pearson, The Hon. Mrs. Gervase Beckett, Sir Weetman Pearson, Lady Desborough, The Right Hon. A.J. Balfour, Mr. Ditchfield, Mr. Thompson, The Countess of Ilchester and the Earl of Ilchester.

VAT at 17.5%