Decorative Collective - www.decorativecollective.com
Sellers's Details
CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD
Tel:
Email: [email protected]
https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/cheshire-antiques-consultant-ltdItem Details
**1963 Eric Tufnell Watercolour of Battleship Yamato Under Air Attack**
*An atmospheric British naval painting with surviving Parker Gallery commission documentation.*
**Description**
A compelling original naval watercolour by Commander Eric Erskine Campbell Tufnell (British, 1888–1978), painted in 1963 and depicting the Japanese battleship *Yamato* during her final sortie on 7 April 1945.
Tufnell presents the enormous battleship surrounded by the violence of aerial attack. Aircraft cross the sky above while towering columns of water erupt around the hull and smoke and fire rise from the vessel.
The controlled rendering of the warships contrasts effectively with the freely handled watercolour of the sea, sky and smoke. Heightened white provides brilliant accents to the explosions, spray and breaking water.
Signed “E. TUFNELL” lower right and inscribed “SINKING OF THE ‘YAMATO’ / APRIL 7TH. 1945.” lower left.
**Operation Ten-Go**
In April 1945 *Yamato* sailed towards Okinawa accompanied by the light cruiser *Yahagi* and eight destroyers as part of the Japanese Surface Special Attack Force.
On 7 April, American carrier aircraft attacked the formation in successive waves.
Repeated bomb and torpedo strikes eventually overwhelmed *Yamato*, which capsized and suffered a catastrophic internal explosion.
The event became one of the defining naval episodes of the final months of the Second World War.
**Commander Eric Tufnell**
A former Royal Navy officer, Eric Tufnell specialised in paintings of named warships and historic naval actions.
His first-hand maritime experience gave his work a convincing understanding of ship construction and behaviour at sea, while his handling of watercolour brought considerable atmosphere to his compositions.
The Parker Gallery in London became closely associated with Tufnell's marine paintings and private commissions.
**Documented Commission**
The painting was commissioned for Mr Banks of Tadley, Hampshire, through The Parker Gallery, 2 Albemarle Street, London, in 1963.
Original correspondence and the Parker Gallery invoice dating from August–October 1963 accompany the work and relate directly to its commission.
**Provenance**
Mr Banks, Tadley, Hampshire.
The Parker Gallery, London, 1963.
Private collection.
The Cotswold Auction Company.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.
**Dimensions**
Framed: 44 × 54 × 1.4 cm.
**Condition Report**
Age-related toning and foxing to the watercolour.
The period frame displays scuffs, small chips and surface wear consistent with age.
Presented beneath glass.
**Shipping**
Worldwide shipping is available.
Owing to the glazed presentation and dimensions of the framed watercolour, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.
International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.
**Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution**
The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.
**Attribution and Research**
The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.
These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.
**Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®**
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.
Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.
Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.
- Period: Early 1960's
-
- Price: £2,500.00
- €2,953 Euro
- $3,308 US Dollar
- Location: London
-
- Dimensions: H: 44cm (17.32in)
- W: 54cm (21.26in)
- D: 1.4cm (0.55in)
