This Selection is inspired by my Gosport constituency which stands a short journey across Portsmouth Harbour, from my birth city of Portsmouth. I wanted to showcase the rich military history of this area which is set against the backdrop of a beautiful costal landscape. I hope these images conjure up the essence of how this part of the south coast has shaped the proud history of our region and captured the importance of artists through history. Join me on a virtual journey across Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport through a diverse range of paintings from museums across the UK.
Artists featured in this Curation:
Eileen Agar (1899–1991), John Cleveley the younger (1747–1786), James Tissot (1836–1902), Nickless, unknown artist, John Hubert Cooper (1912–1990), Ellis Silas (1885–1972) and
Martin Snape (1853–1930)
8 artworks
1979
© the artist's estate / Bridgeman Images. Image credit: Government Art Collection
Bride of the Sea
It has been the unique coastal location, the natural harbour and deep water moorings that have shaped the fortunes of the settlements and Portsmouth Harbour across the ages.
Bride of the Sea
1979
Eileen Agar (1899–1991)
Acrylic on canvas
H 76 x W 101.5 cm
Government Art Collection
Eileen Agar (1899–1991)
Acrylic on canvas
H 76 x W 101.5 cm
Government Art Collection
1775
Image credit: Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
From Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport
Imagine yourself in this eighteenth-century vessel as it passes through the narrow entrance to Portsmouth Harbour at Sunset.
Old Portsmouth on one side, Fort Blockhourse and Gosport on the other, Portsmouth is the famed home of the Royal Navy, but everything that went on these warships, from food, to fuel, rum and ropes, all came from across the harbour in Gosport. This partnership has served the Royal Navy and the defence of our country for centuries.
British Warship Leaving Portsmouth Harbour
c.1775
John Cleveley the younger (1747–1786) (circle of)
Oil on canvas
H 35 x W 56 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
John Cleveley the younger (1747–1786) (circle of)
Oil on canvas
H 35 x W 56 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
1877
Image credit: Tate
The Journey Begins
The song says "all the nice girls love a sailor" but in this charming and humourous painting it looks like it's a soldier of a Highland Regiment who is enjoying some well-deserved 'shore leave' with some flirtatious friends and could that be the prow of Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, in the background? Victory can still be seen in Portsmouth's historic dockyard today.
1967
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
What do you see?
The Gosport ferry comes across the short distance across Portsmouth Harbour carrying over 3 millions passengers per year. It is one of the longest serving ferry services in the UK. In the reign of Henry VIII, Portsmouth became a naval base and dockyard, and many of the sailors and dockyard workers lived in Gosport. As the population grew, so did the popularity of the ferry service.
Gosport Pontoon and the Semaphore Tower, Portsmouth
1967
Nickless
Oil on canvas
H 49.5 x W 74.9 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
Nickless
Oil on canvas
H 49.5 x W 74.9 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
.
Image credit: Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
Arriving at Gosport
Step off the Gosport ferry into the town, take in the sea breeze and walk the High Street with its Victorian Buildings, most of which have long disappeared. World War II bombing raids targeted the Naval Assets in Portsmouth and Gosport, with some of its most vicious attacks.
The Hard and High Street, Gosport
unknown artist
Oil on canvas
H 29.6 x W 45.1 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
unknown artist
Oil on canvas
H 29.6 x W 45.1 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
1982
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
Take a Stroll
Delve deep into the heart of the city to explore its architectural features. Iron manufacture alongside brewing, ropemaking and shipbuilding. A whole town gleaned to the purpose of serving the Royal Navy, and defending the realm.
Gosport Iron Foundry
1982
John Hubert Cooper (1912–1990) (possibly)
Oil on canvas
H 40 x W 51 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
John Hubert Cooper (1912–1990) (possibly)
Oil on canvas
H 40 x W 51 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
.
© the artist's estate. Image credit: Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower
Step inside the Museum
These days, Gosport is still home to HMS Sultan, the Royal Navy School of Engineering. History lovers will also enjoy exploring the Museum of Naval Firepower at the former munitions factory in Priddy’s Hard. Or to experience life below the waves in the Submarine Museum at Fort Blockhouse. You can also climb aboard HMS Alliance, a 1945 A class ‘sub’.
An Engineer Working at Fort Grange in 1919
c.1919
Ellis Silas (1885–1972)
Oil on canvas
H 54.7 x W 45 cm
Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower
Ellis Silas (1885–1972)
Oil on canvas
H 54.7 x W 45 cm
Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower
.
Image credit: Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
Into the Night
Our virtual trip to the coast ends with a spectacular sunset view across the waterfront area.
The Hard, Gosport
Martin Snape (1853–1930)
Oil on canvas
H 70 x W 98.5 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
Martin Snape (1853–1930)
Oil on canvas
H 70 x W 98.5 cm
Hampshire County Council’s Fine Art Collection
