RTIB Client Commander John Morton Lee OBE RN (Retd) launches his book on Thomas Bush Hardy
15 December 2009
A master painter of marine and coastal watercolours Thomas Bush Hardy RBA (1842-1897)
Authors: David H. Kirby-Welch and Commander John Morton Lee
This book charts Hardy's life and artistic progress, providing a fully illustrated chronicle of his travels up and down the English Coast, the Dutch beaches, the French Channel ports and his much loved Venetian Lagoon. Thomas Bush Hardy was one of the most successful and prolific artists in an era when English marine painting in watercolour reached its zenith. He was one of the few artists who took the trouble to study, understand and then reproduce all the elements of a successful marine watercolour. Although Hardy is mentioned in every dictionary covering nineteenth century artists and has been the subject of many articles and exhibitions of marine art, this is the first detailed and fully illustrated study of his comparatively short but fascinating career.
As over one hundred and fifty illustrations will show, Hardy had an enviable ability to capture the atmosphere, be it peaceful or dramatic, of each occasion. From the very start he developed an extraordinary bond with all the fishing communities he met, both in England and on the Continent. His high regard for these men and women and their way of life is evident in many of his paintings.
Commander John Morton Lee OBE RN (Retd)
John retired from the Navy in 1984 after forty one years and soon after started J Morton Lee (Fine Watercolours) from his home in Hayling Island, Hampshire. This seemed an obvious career move as, his grandfather, father, uncle and cousin had all been members of the British Antique Dealer's Association and John himself had a lifelong hobby in collecting marine watercolours.
John has a fine reputation and client base built over the years and we hope that you might enjoy this book and that it may be of interest to you.
The books RRP is £30, but John is offering it to RTIB clients at £25 for one book or £20 for bulk orders. Please contact JOHN MORTON LEE: j.mortonlee@btinternet.com 02394 464444