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Sold for: £20
A trio of three 20th century Frank Shipsides limited edition maritime prints of Bristol, featuring architectural and nautical scenes in a traditional watercolour style. The set includes two coloured prints and one monochrome work, illustrating local landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the historic waterfront at Narrow Quay, and the return of the SS Great Britain to the city. The artworks are professionally presented behind glass in gilt-wood or composite frames with multi-layered decorative paper mounts.
The prints bear the artist’s printed signature and date within the image, for example ‘FRANK SHIPSIDES 1984’ (photo 4), and are further hand-signed in pencil to the lower right margin ‘Frank Shipsides —’ (photo 2). Edition numbers ’23/850′ (photo 3) and ’12/175′ (photo 7) are inscribed in pencil to the lower left margins. The reverse of the frames carry multiple adhesive labels from the Alexander Gallery, Bristol, including descriptive historical labels for ‘RETURN OF THE SS GREAT BRITAIN’ (photo 12) and ‘WATERFRONT’ (photo 18). Additional white gallery labels with decorative borders are present, reading ‘Alexander Gallery 122 WHITELADIES ROAD BRISTOL BS8 2RP Telephone 0272 734692’, hand-dated ‘3-1-85′ and ’13 May 86’ with stock numbers ‘2832’ and ‘5349’ (photos 14 and 15). One frame backing bears a handwritten pencil note reading ‘DAYS OF STEAM & SAIL by Frank Shipsides’ (photo 16).
Condition report:
The trio of prints and their respective frames are in good overall condition. Minor surface dust is visible to the glazing and outer frames (photo 5). The gilt frames show light surface scuffs and minor wear to the corners and edges (photo 6, photo 13). The mounts and prints show no significant signs of foxing, staining, or fading.
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