`On the Evening Tide`
W.J. Fletcher 1931
A rare and wonderfully atmospheric oil by W.J.Fletcher which appears to show a sailing vessel leaving on the evening tide. Fletcher was a Colchester artist so this is likely to be the Essex coast, perhaps the Colne estuary near Wivenhoe. Only after acquiring the painting (as an unsigned work) did I find a signature verso, as well as some strange writing `Mr.Fletcher, RA mess`. `Johnson and Greutzner` give Fletchers address as RA Mess, Colchester, so not the Royal Academy but the Royal Artillery! I can find no reference later on to this artist- one wonders if he survived the war, would be an interesting research project. The painting is housed in a very nice classic ornate gilt frame with only a few minor faults - suits this very subtle painting.
W.J.Fletcher was a Colchester artist who exhibited at the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1932. Lived at the RA Mess, Colchester.