
Alfred Wallis: Ships and Boats
7 April – 8 July 2012
Alfred Wallis (1855-1942) is one of the most original and inspiring British artists of the 20th Century.
Living in St.Ives, Cornwall and with no training, Wallis took up painting late in life ‘for company‘ after the death of his wife. Previously, he had worked as a mariner, crossing the Atlantic and later working smaller fishing boats. With only household oil paint in limited colours on found bits of card, Wallis made works that are, as he said himself, more experiences and events than paintings. ‘i do most what used To Be what we shall never see no more…’ he wrote to Jim Ede, creator of Kettle’s Yard, and one of his most ardent collectors.
On display in this exhibition were about forty paintings, from the reserve collection and the part of the house closed due to building work. They show what Wallis knew best: from brigantines and sailing boats to lug boats and motor vessels, often battling with an unpredictable sea. What shone out was Wallis’s exceptional natural talent.
Gallery
Alfred Wallis in the Collection

Painting
Boats before a great bridge (Royal Albert Bridge?), c. 1935-37
Boats before a great bridge (Royal Albert Bridge?)
Painting
Sailing ships and two steamers - Newlyn harbour, undated
Sailing ships and two steamers - Newlyn harbour
In the Kettle's Yard Shop
Discover our ranges featuring the work of celebrated folk painter Alfred Wallis, including prints, tea towels, greetings cards and books.