Lot 215: John Russell Chancellor, 1925-1984 , final bid oil on canvas

signed oil on canvas

80x105cm.; 31½x41¼in.

John Chancellor's fascination with the sea began at a young age during his upbringing in the Portuguese village of Paco d'Arcos. Following a thirty year career at sea, Chancellor returned in 1971 to turn his attentions to his painting, depicting powerful images of Thames barges, schooners, brigs and other craft. His love of the sea was fuelled by thorough research of logs and narratives, his experiences as a merchant seaman and detailed knowledge of our maritime heritage evident in his accurate portrayals of life at sea. Following three successful exhibitions, Chancellor's early death in 1984 left an output of fewer than 150 works which are seldom seen on the London market.