About the artist
Born in Devon in 1855, British artist Alfred Wallis developed a distinct naïve style, capturing maritime landscapes. Initially a merchant sailor, he transitioned to local labor in Penzance after personal loss. Settling in St Ives in 1890, Wallis juggled various jobs following his marine store's closure in 1912. His painting career began post-1922, recollecting the bygone sail era on cardboard with household paint. Although largely unrecognised and impoverished during his life, his works are now celebrated in places like the Tate St Ives and Kettle's Yard.