A well-executed seascape painting of fishing boats near a coastal village by George Gregory. A rowing boat is shown coming ashore in a cove near a small village which lies at the base of rocky cliffs. As figures make their way along the beach towards the fishermen, other vessels head to the shore where other figures wait. High above the cliffs overlooking the cove and shoreline can be seen the ruins of a castle. The landscape and castle ruins appear similar to that of Criccieth, Wales.

George Gregory was born in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight in 1849. He was the son of Charles Gregory (1810-1896) a marine and yacht painter from whom he inherited his talent and love of seascapes. It is highly likely that he was taught by his father as his work bears his influence. He lived with his family at Medina Terrace in Cowes and remained unmarried. By 1891, he and his aging parents had moved in with his sister and brother in law at Union Street, Cowes. He continued to live with his sister’s family in Cowes after the death of his parents.

The Isle of Wight was known then as it is now, as the yachting capital of Great Britain and Gregory was able to study the sea and the numerous types of vessels very closely. His knowledge of the moods of the sea is reflected in the accuracy of his work and his ability to capture the movement of the ships upon the waves. He spent his time visiting the south coast of England including areas such as Portsmouth and Southampton painting views of the ships on the Solent as well as scenes at Margate, Rochester and the Medway. Although he lived for most of his life on the Isle of Wight, he is known to have travelled abroad occasionally. He is also believed to have taught Queen Victoria’s children for a short time while they were staying at Osborne House. Gregory died on the Isle of Wight in 1938.

In 1954, a retrospective exhibition was held of his work at Northwood House in Cowes. A number of his works can be found in galleries and museums including the Brighton & Hove Art Gallery, Isle of Wight Museum, Kirklees Museum and the Portsmouth Museum.

© Benton Fine Art