Marrin's Bookshop

Item Description

Pen and sepia ink wash drawing on paper, 4.5 x 7.25 inches, laid on to card, mounted, framed in reeded half-round gilt and glazed, overall 11.5 x 14 inches. It shows the distant view of Folkestone and its harbour from the rocky beach of the East Cliff. Prominent features are the Parish Church, the fishermen's houses on the waterfront and the masts of the numerous coasters berthed in the harbour. A paddle steamer may be seen leaving the port, reminding us that the inauguration of the first crossings between Boulogne and Folkestone took place on 1st August 1843. The horses and carts seen on the sands in the middle distance may relate either to fishing or to dredging activities which were ongoing at this period Some light browning follows the principal pen strokes without detracting from the execution. Henry Moses (1781-1870) was highly regarded as a draughtsman and engraver and was known for, among many other works, several series of views of shipping, and a few coastal views. It is not clear how his marine interest developed but he used outline engraving to great effect in capturing maritime life and activities in his Sketches of Shipping (1824), where accurately drawn ships are set in suitable port landscapes. Similarly his Picturesque Views of Ramsgate (1817) includes busily populated images of ships in harbour. This drawing is beautifully executed and highly detailed - the wash achieving great depth - and reflects the crispness and clarity of his engravings. This is one of a number of similar drawings of the Folkestone area by Moses purchased by us