***SOLD!***"Port Of Call" #1 Oil On Board By William Ware
Items from MV REGAL EMPRESS (ex SS OLYMPIA, MV CARIBE I)
Measurements: 30 by 45 inches
Oil on Board (Frame Components Included)
Price: $2,100.00 plus shipping and handling***THIS ITEM IS NOW SOLD***
William Ware's signature in lower right corner of this painting. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2010.
William Ware, a well-known British landscape painter, was born in London in 1915. He was hired by Greek Line to do the permanent on board murals for their liners OLYMPIA and ARKADIA (ex MONARCH OF BERMUDA). Most of Ware's work on the OLYMPIA survived throughout the ship's long life and was purchased by MidShipCentury when the ship went to Alang for scrapping in 2009. Ware passed away in 1994.
Detailed views of portions of painting. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2010.
The MV REGAL EMPRESS (ex SS OLYMPIA) was one of the last surviving classic liners in service when she went to Alang in 2009. Her Caribbean Dining Room, originally the Olympian Hall Restaurant, was one of the most beautiful spaces afloat with its polished woods, etched mirrors, marquetry panels of ancient sailing vessels and these dramatic William Ware paintings.
This painting was located in the center of the room's port side. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2008.
All of this series of paintings seem to be depicting Mediterranean ports of call, some of which are representational and others which seem to be inspired by various places, rather than being accurate portrayals of them. This one, of a European marketplace and cafe, with its boldly colored freestyle figures almost seems to have a Lautrec influence.
Back of panel. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2010.
Unlike the others, this painting is not in its frame, although I have all four sides to the frame available. All major components are there and the frame can be reconstructed once the painting reaches its final destination. Its condition is good to very good with no major scratches or wear but it is 57 years old and at some point, something dripped down its upper left side. There is also some spotting and a professional cleaning would be recommended. Not huge distractions but they should be noted.
