***THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD***
"Port Of Call" #5
Oil On Board By William Ware

Items from MV REGAL EMPRESS (ex SS OLYMPIA, MV CARIBE I)

Measurements: 33 by 48 inches
Oil on Board In Original Maple Frame Price: $2,250.00 plus shipping and handling***SOLD***

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. Photos 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.  

In its original surroundings on the REGAL EMPRESS. 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 has a mystical feel with Ware's famiiar horsehoe composition and cliffy seascape. Another slice of Liguria, Villefranche perhaps? As with its companions, simply magmificent!

Back of panel. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2010.

This painting comes in its original maple frame. Its condition is very good with no major scratches or wear but there is some spotting in the lower portion and it could benefit from a professional cleaning after 57 years on display on board a vibrant, active ship.