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Swansea’s Copper Ships

3F

In the 19th century, Swansea in South Wales was the center of a booming copper-smelting industry and its port was filled with ships from all over the world. It was also the hometown of marine painter James S. Harris, who formerly worked aboard copper-carrying sailing ships.

 

In this painting, a nameless three-master is seen off the coast of Swansea. Harris accurately depicted the details of its rigging and vividly portrayed the momentum of the ship amid white-crested waves. 

At Anchor, Off Swansea / James S. Harris (1810-1887) / Oil on canvas / 92 x 61cm / Collection of the Evergreen Maritime Museum
At Anchor, Off Swansea / James S. Harris (1810-1887) / Oil on canvas / 92 x 61cm / Collection of the Evergreen Maritime Museum