Alf Whiting (British 1905-1972) presents 'The Dover and Ramsgate Boats Stand By' in this watercolour piece, signed and extensively titled on the mount and further titled verso. The artwork measures 34cm x 50cm.
This captivating painting captures the dramatic rescue of the American Liberty Ship 'Western Farmer,' which collided with the Norwegian tanker 'Bjor Gholm' on the 20th August 1952, twenty miles east of Deal. The Dover lifeboat 'Southern Africa' and the Ramsgate lifeboat 'Prudential' heroically saved the entire crew of 37, aided by the light of the steam tug 'Rumania.'
Alf Whiting, a Dover lifeboat man renowned for his bravery, had a unique practice of returning from each rescue to paint the scene from memory. 'The Dover and Ramsgate Boats Stand By' is one of the rare instances where Whiting painted a lifeboat he was not aboard. At the time of this event, his legs were in plaster, preventing him from going to sea. However, the significance of this rescue prompted him to create this exceptional piece. An article featuring the artist from the East Kent Messenger on the 13th of July 1956, which showcases this very painting, is reproduced on the verso.
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