Priory and Castle, above Priors Haven Bay, Tynemouth

James Wilson Carmichael (1800 - 1868)

Laing Art Gallery

1830 - 1830

Although Carmichael is today remembered principally for his Dutch-inspired marine paintings, he was also a fine landscapist. In painting this view of Tynemouth, Carmichael was following quite literally in Turner's footsteps. His chosen viewpoint looking north across the bay towards the priory and castle, is almost identical to the one adopted by Turner on his visit to Tynemouth in 1797. The ruins of Tynemouth castle and priory, on their spectacular promontory above the mouth of the river Tyne, are famous. The fine lancet windows and sheer vertical silhouette formed by the surviving east end of the priory church are among the most dramatic expressions of Early English architecture in Britain. The Gatehouse dating to 1393-1419, on the western landward side of the site, is shown here with its later eighteenth-century pantile roof. Perhaps the most delightful aspect of Carmichael's painting is the depiction of Prior's Haven Bay, with bathing machines and bathers entering the sea.

• Medium: oil on board
• Dimensions: 25 x 70 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £1000 ( Total: £4,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1996
• Vendor: Dunelm Fine Art

Provenance

Anderson & Garland, Fine Art, Antiques and Collectors' Items, 27 June, 1995 (354), bought Dunelm Fine Art

Add your comments about this artwork Hide this form

Have your say