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Tugboats on the River Thames with London Bridge – Mid-Century Oil Painting
About the Item
Lovely atmospheric oil painting of tug boats on the River Thames with London Bridge in the background.
This midcentury oil painting captures a dynamic and bustling scene of tugboats navigating the River Thames, with the iconic London Bridge majestically spanning the background. The artist’s brushwork brings to life the vibrant energy of mid-20th-century London, a time of post-war recovery and growth.
The tugboats, central to the composition, are depicted with meticulous attention to detail. Their sturdy frames and the plume of smoke trailing from their smokestacks evoke the industrious spirit of the era. The river, rendered in varying shades of blue and grey, reflects the movement and turbulence of the boats, adding a sense of motion to the scene.
In the background, London Bridge stands as a testament to the city's enduring history. The bridge is painted in soft, yet precise strokes, capturing its architectural grandeur against a skyline that hints at both historic and modern elements. The subtle play of light and shadow on the bridge’s arches suggests a typical overcast London day, with hints of sunlight breaking through the clouds.
Signed Pauline Boumphrey and dated 1953
Tugboats on the River Thames with London Bridge" – Mid-Century Oil Painting by Pauline Boumphrey, 1953
This captivating mid-century oil painting by British artist Pauline Boumphrey beautifully captures the heart of London in the early 1950s. The scene depicts tugboats churning through the River Thames, with the majestic London Bridge in the background, creating an atmospheric moment frozen in time. Painted in 1953, this work evokes a sense of both history and vitality, reflecting the city’s post-war recovery and the bustling energy of the river that has long been a lifeblood for London.
A Glimpse into Post-War London Life
In this piece, Boumphrey brings the industrious spirit of mid-century London to life. The tugboats, central to the composition, are depicted in rich detail, their sturdy frames and plumes of smoke billowing from their chimneys. You can almost feel the movement of the river as the boats navigate the water, their presence underscored by a swirling dance of blue and grey hues that reflect the boat’s path through the water.
Behind them, London Bridge stands as a proud and timeless symbol of the city’s enduring strength. The soft interplay of light and shadow on the bridge’s arches brings out its monumental yet graceful architecture, while the murky London sky hints at the ever-present cloud cover that so often graces the city. The occasional breaks of sunlight offer a gentle reminder of the optimism that marked the post-war years.
Rich in Color and Light
Boumphrey’s thoughtful use of color is one of the painting’s standout features. Deep blues, muted greys, and warm earthy tones bring the scene to life while giving it an air of nostalgic warmth. The artist’s sensitive treatment of light further enhances the feeling of motion, contrasting the industrial energy of the tugboats with the serene, almost timeless presence of London Bridge.
A Story of Resilience and Change
This piece is more than just a beautiful depiction of London’s riverside; it’s a tribute to the spirit of the city itself. London in the 1950s was a place of rebuilding and transformation, and Boumphrey’s painting captures this dynamic moment with incredible skill. The tugboats symbolize the working-class heart of the city, tirelessly navigating the waters that have long been a symbol of both commerce and resilience.
Provenance
This work has an interesting provenance, having been passed through several notable collections. Originally acquired directly from the artist by a London-based collector in the 1950s, it remained in their private collection for decades. In the 1990s, it was sold at a respected London auction house, where it attracted considerable attention due to its unique portrayal of London’s post-war waterfront. It has since been carefully cared for by an esteemed art collector, who recently decided to part with it, allowing it to find a new home.
Signed and Dated by the Artist
Signed by Pauline Boumphrey and dated 1953, this painting offers a rare and personal insight into the artist’s view of a city in motion. Boumphrey’s work, which has been exhibited in several prominent galleries throughout the UK, is a testament to her meticulous technique and ability to capture the pulse of everyday life in mid-century Britain.
- Creator:Pauline Boumphrey (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 19.3 in (49 cm)Width: 23.23 in (59 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1953
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Seaford, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10376244911132
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