Writing 421- Ocean

May 18, 1882.

Looking up from a small sailboat is a vision of clouds. Dark and top highlighted, stretching into the horizon. These clouds are shapes that fill the sky, a distraction to pass time, creating defined images from the abstract formations. Their soft, light appearance changes in the wind, the same wind that rounds out the surrounding sails.

Sails vary in appearance, some yellow, weathered and aged. Perhaps sailed by equally aged men, with their many stories of the sea held like the wind in their sails. Do they also think about the soft texture of the clouds? Or do they focus on practicality; dark sections, weather changes or direction of the wind and the currents below.

Peering overboard the water swallows the light, it’s dark and murky. This venture out to sea is choppy. The spray from the waves is cold and bitter. Many boats surround, pink faces look back in passing, the odd wave from a red sore hand. The civilians on the smaller boats circle the largest boat, The Galatea, with authority figures, including The Duke of Edinburgh onboard. (1)

Below the boats the waves dull and level out. The white tips look grey. This is calm, the movement is a soft sway. This paused movement allows time to take a deep breath: clean, cold and fresh. A pause to refocus from sailing to admiration.

Sailors and boats witness this new history of the changing structures at sea. They face The New Eddystone Lighthouse, attending this official opening in celebration and support.

This changing of the lighthouse respectfully acknowledged the need for structure stability.  (2)

Decreasing the height of the initial build shows concern for safety and consequently the improvement of modern building techniques and planning. At a later date, this original (red and white) lighthouse was completely dismantled and rebuilt at Plymouth Hoe, England.

Relocated to preserve the structure and history.

Stepping back from inside the painting to the ‘Ocean exhibition’, University of Plymouth, It’s clear why this piece was selected. The exhibition focuses on the human links and historical connections to the ocean. (3)

In particular it shows a visual representation of a change in history. It’s interesting the old lighthouse is shown in its original location now that people are able to walk to view it at the Hoe, up close, rather than limited access by boat (4)

 In the interest of showing human interaction with the ocean, this piece allows people in 1882 to share this moment in time with those visiting this exhibition in 2023.

This painting, “The opening of the New Eddystone Lighthouse”, Connects people past and present through viewing this event. In one sense the audience is joining the original audience on those boats by viewing the same event. It connects history of the ocean to a current exhibition and structural improvements, placement and progression. 

1. https://jenikirbyhistory.getarchive.net/media/henry-a-luscombe-the-opening-of-the-new-eddystone-lighthouse-by-hrh-the-duke-24af04

“The Duke was on board the Galatea.”

“the local authorities were in attendance. “

2.  https://civil.lindahall.org/new_eddystone.shtml

“There was nothing wrong with Smeaton’s structure – it had withstood well the batterings of the sea for 120 years – but the rock on which it had been built was beginning to erode away beneath it. “

3. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/autumn-2023-ocean

“understanding of the interconnected nature of land and sea.”

“the exhibition also invites the public to get involved, forging a personal connection with the ocean”

“Ocean explores the city's unique natural harbour and maritime history that's steeped in a complex history of trading, culture, and colonial narratives.”

4. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/southwest-england/plymouth/attractions/smeaton-s-tower/a/poi-sig/461914/359008

“The red-and-white stripes of Smeaton's Tower rise from the middle of the Plymouth Hoe headland.”