Large original oil painting by auction-recorded British artist Francis Barret, signed and dated 1972.
A striking and atmospheric vintage maritime painting depicting a collection of working boats and sailing vessels moored together on calm harbour water.
The work is clearly signed “Francis Barret” and dated “72” to the lower right, dating the painting to 1972.
This is an original hand-painted work rather than a print or reproduction, with extensive visible brushwork, layered colour and areas of substantial impasto.
About the artist
Francis Barret – 20th-century British artist
Francis Barret is an auction-recorded painter, with documented works including British topographical and marine subjects.
Recorded examples include:
* The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells – signed oil on board, dated 1972
* Bosham Harbour – marine/harbour painting dated 1958
This is particularly relevant to the present work, which is likewise an oil painting, signed Francis Barret, dated 1972 and depicting a harbour/marine subject.
Published biographical information on the artist appears limited, so no unsupported claims regarding his birth/death dates, training or exhibitions are being made.
Subject
The painting depicts an atmospheric harbour scene dominated by a substantial working vessel surrounded by smaller boats.
The composition includes numerous attractive maritime details:
* Working/fishing vessel with cabin
* Smaller traditional boats
* Sailing vessel with dark red/brown sail
* Masts and rigging
* Ropes and moorings
* Lifebuoys/fenders
* Reflections across the water
* Small highlights suggesting harbour lights
* Deep turquoise and blue-green water
The restrained marine palette is particularly effective, with turquoise, teal and deep blue complemented by cream, burgundy, brown, orange and yellow highlights.
The reflections beneath the boats give the work considerable depth and atmosphere.
Medium & technique
Original oil painting on board / rigid artist’s support.
The painting displays extensive evidence of hand application, including visible brushwork, layered paint and heavier textured passages around the boats and maritime details.
Some areas have pronounced raised impasto, contrasting effectively with the smoother treatment of the surrounding water.
This is an original painting, not a print or reproduction.
Signature & date
Clearly signed to the lower-right corner:
FRANCIS BARRET
and immediately beneath:
72
The signature and date are clearly photographed and form an important part of the attribution.
Dimensions
Approximate overall framed width:
79 cm / 31 inches
Please refer to the measurement photograph.
Please add the exact height measurement before listing, as I wouldn’t estimate this where collectors may rely on the dimensions.
Frame
Presented in its existing slim pale-painted wooden frame, which appears consistent with the period and complements the marine palette well.
An older hanging cord remains attached to the reverse.
Condition
Vintage condition with age-related wear.
The painting dates from 1972 and consequently displays signs of age and previous display/storage.
There are surface marks, scratches, dust/dirt, minor spotting and general age-related variations across the painted surface. Areas of heavier texture and irregularity are visible within the original paint application.
The frame shows noticeable age-related wear including scuffs, knocks, marks, rubbing, discolouration and areas of paint loss.
Please note: the reverse of the painting shows extensive spotting/discolouration consistent with age and storage. This has been photographed clearly so prospective buyers can assess it for themselves.
The existing hanging cord and fittings are old. For safety, the purchaser should inspect or replace these before hanging.
No attempt has been made to professionally clean, conserve or restore the work.
Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the detailed images of the signature, paint surface, frame and reverse. The photographs form an integral part of the condition description.
Collector interest
An attractive opportunity to acquire a substantial signed and dated original work by auction-recorded artist Francis Barret.
Particularly appealing for collectors of:
* Francis Barret paintings
* 20th-century British art
* Original British oil paintings
* Marine and maritime art
* Harbour scenes
* Fishing and working boats
* 1970s artwork
* Signed and dated paintings
* Vintage nautical art
The combination of its clearly documented 1972 date, substantial size, harbour subject, strong blue-green palette and textured painting technique makes this an appealing example of Barret’s work.
You will receive the exact original framed painting shown in the photographs.