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'The Shout'
Coxswain Henry Freeman oversees the moonlit launch of
the Whitby rowing lifeboat, circa 1890.
The Painting
The painting was inspired by Geoffrey Loy's
musical The Shout which is based on the life of
Henry Freeman. The fact that 2004 is the centenary of the death
of this great Whitby character made it a perfect time to celebrate
his life in this way.
John Freeman has collaborated with RNLI
Museum curator, Peter Thompson MBE, and Mike Shaw of the Sutcliffe
Gallery to research and create this study of a lifeboat launch just
prior to Henry Freeman's retirement.
A forerunner of the Robert and Mary
Ellis, the Robert and Ellen Robson was
hauled from its place in the lifeboat museum to give a sense of
scale and the efforts involved in the launching of this 5-6 ton
boat and its carriage. Jahn Freeman then combined this anecdotal
information, and the period dress of the lifeboat men of that time,
gathered from the Sutcliffe Collection, to create this powerful
image of Henry Freeman overseeing a launch from the slipway into
the surf by the West Pier. Onlookers, wives and families watch on
a cold blustery night as the crew and helpers launch the lifeboat
into the debris strewn waters of the North Sea to attempt to rescue
those in peril on the sea.
Close up of Henry Freeman on the print
John Freeman has created several such studies
of historic events. His ability to combine historical detail and
great atmosphere result in paintings which give considerable initial
impact and much detail to hold and feast the eye. In this work John
Freeman does not attempt to portray one particular launch, but to
mould images of old Whitby, anecdotal information and studies into
one all-embracing image. With his watercolour technique he has created
a blustery night, scudding clouds and powerful movement contrasting
with the huddle of apprehensive fisherfolk watching and waiting...
This is the third major lifeboat piece.
1,000 signed limited edition prints have
been produced. All 1,000 prints are printed on acid free paper using
fade resistant inks. No print of painting benefits from exposure
to sunlight. A combination of blue and grey mounts will enhance
this print.
Image size 18" x 13"
£40.00
+ £2.00 P+P (£6.00 overseas)
How
to order
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