Robert Trenaman Back (British, 1922 – 2004)

A folly by the shore

Pen and ink and watercolour on paper

13 x 10.1/2in. (33 x 27cm.)

Robert Trenaman Back is best known as a maritime painter. Born in Adelaide, South Australia from a family of explorers. He returned to England in 1931 and took up art at school and studied at Edinburgh college of art. Having a fascination with the sea he volunteered with the Royal Navy in 1942 and was posted to HMS Venomous and then HMS King Alfred at Brighton. When he completed his studies after the war, he found it impossible to get a job as a commercial artist in advertising, he then spent a brief period in Northern Ireland where this example was likely to be executed. Though it took a while his skills as a maritime painter were recognised and his works can be seen in public galleries and private collections in America and in this country.