Paintings of scenes from Littlehampton decades ago feature at exhibition

Other landscapes and seascapes in the exhibition, at Wilson’s Antiques, Tarring Road, from Tuesday until Wednesday, November 20 (but closed on Sunday), include views of the Sussex coast near Lancing, the River Arun, the South Downs, near Worthing and an oil painting of Shoreham harbour in the 19th century by F. W. Aldridge, who also painted Littlehampton’s harbour (see below).

A 1947 study of Littlehampton harbour, by prolific landscape artist Sydney Maiden, shows the then busy shipyard area on the west bank of the River Arun, including the renowned David Hillyard’s boat building yard.

Born in India in 1893, Maiden served as an officer in the East Kent Regiment in both world wars and his work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and numerous galleries.

Aldridge’s oil painting of the harbour in the 19th century is an evocative image of tall-masted sailing ships with billowing canvas, in the days when vessels left Littlehampton to ply their trade to ports around the globe.

Bringing the exhibition right up to date is another oil painting by Bobby Kurb, born in 1971, ‘The Madonna Lily’, a surreal image of a seated woman with a bird’s head, holding a lily. It is one of two works by the West Worthing-based artist, who has exhibited widely in the UK and also in New Zealand.

Other artists featuring in the Wilson’s exhibition include W. L. Wylie and R. Thorne Waite, together with Anne Sheppard, whose collages and prints include a cheerful view of a West Country harbour.

Also on view will be a selection of good-quality Victorian mahogany bookcases, a beautiful Sheraton revival inlaid satinwood china cabinet, a fine Regency rosewood davenport and many other antiques.

More details of the exhibition can be found on the website, www.wilsonsantiques.com