What characterises British Impressionist maritime watercolours from the early 20th century?

British Impressionist maritime watercolours from this period typically feature fluid brushwork, luminous light effects, and scenes depicting everyday coastal life and harbour activities across Britain and Northern France.

What materials were traditionally used in 20th-century watercolour paintings and framing?

Artists painted using water-soluble pigments on cotton or rag paper, mounted within acid-free board and secured inside glazed hardwood or gilded frames for structural protection.

How can one identify authentic watercolour paintings from this era?

Authentic works often exhibit artist signatures, characteristic tonal washes, paper watermarks, contemporary framers labels on the reverse, and natural light-induced aging on the paper stock.

How should a framed maritime watercolour be styled in a modern interior?

Hang the picture above a dark wooden sideboard or console table to establish a central focal point, pairing it with neutral walls and subtle brass lighting to highlight the soft blue tones.

How should watercolour paintings be cared for to prevent deterioration?

Position the picture away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity, ensuring it is glazed with UV-protective glass and mounted using archival, acid-free materials.

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William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.

Name: William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1127027
Price: 3895 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Big Sky Fine Art

Description

William Lee Hankey.

English (b.1869 - d.1952).

The Love Between Man And The Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy, France.

Watercolour.

Signed Lower Right.

Image size 13.4 inches x 17.3 inches ( 34cm x 44cm ).

Frame size 20.5 inches x 24 inches ( 52cm x 61cm ).

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original painting is by William Lee Hankey and dates from around 1910.

The watercolour is presented and supplied in a sympathetic and contrasting new replacement frame to contrast the scene colouration (which is shown in these photographs) and behind non-reflective Tru Vue UltraVue® UV70 glass.

This antique piece is in very good condition. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.

The watercolour is signed lower right.

Good News for our US Customers!

From 24 July 2026 the original works of art we sell are classified under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 97 as exempt from the additional Section 301 import tariffs introduced in February 2026. This means that this original work of art can be imported into the United States without these additional tariffs. This allows American customers to buy from us with confidence, knowing that they are not going to be penalised by this global tariff.

Please note that normal U.S. Customs procedures and any applicable US State sales or use taxes remain unchanged.

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

William Lee Hankey was a British painter, book illustrator and one of the very best etchers of his generation. He had a full and fascinating life, studying and working in Europe, witnessing the German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914, focusing his work for a time on the plight of French refugees and seeing active service as a volunteer. He lived most of his life in England and exhibited at all the leading galleries, including the Royal Academy. He was President of the London Sketch Club and his work won many medals, including Gold Medal at the Barcelona International Exhibition. He became chairman of the Empire Art Council. Today his works are represented in collections in the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

© Big Sky Fine Art

For a full biography of this artist please see his listing on www.bigskyfineart.com .

A full range of stock is available to browse or purchase at www.bigskyfineart.com .

Contact us by phone on +44 (0) 1305 581426 or email art@bigskyfineart.com .

Physical Dimensions

Height

52cm (20.47")

Width

62cm (24.41")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Big Sky Fine Art has dated this Framed Maritime Watercolour Painting to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1127027

Description

William Lee Hankey.

English (b.1869 - d.1952).

The Love Between Man And The Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy, France.

Watercolour.

Signed Lower Right.

Image size 13.4 inches x 17.3 inches ( 34cm x 44cm ).

fig 1. A framed watercolour painting depicting fishermen on blue wooden boats anchored in a still harbour with buildings and a lighthouse in the background. — fig 1. William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.

Frame size 20.5 inches x 24 inches ( 52cm x 61cm ).

“

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original painting is by William Lee Hankey and dates from around 1910.

Big Sky Fine Art

fig 2. A framed watercolour painting depicting fishermen on blue wooden boats anchored in a still harbour with buildings and a lighthouse in the background. — fig 2. William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.

The watercolour is presented and supplied in a sympathetic and contrasting new replacement frame to contrast the scene colouration (which is shown in these photographs) and behind non-reflective Tru Vue UltraVue® UV70 glass.

fig 3. A framed watercolour painting depicting fishermen on blue wooden boats anchored in a still harbour with buildings and a lighthouse in the background. — fig 3. William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.

This antique piece is in very good condition. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.

The watercolour is signed lower right.

Good News for our US Customers!

From 24 July 2026 the original works of art we sell are classified under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 97 as exempt from the additional Section 301 import tariffs introduced in February 2026. This means that this original work of art can be imported into the United States without these additional tariffs. This allows American customers to buy from us with confidence, knowing that they are not going to be penalised by this global tariff.

fig 4. A framed watercolour painting depicting fishermen on blue wooden boats anchored in a still harbour with buildings and a lighthouse in the background. — fig 4. William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.

Please note that normal U.S. Customs procedures and any applicable US State sales or use taxes remain unchanged.

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

fig 5. A framed watercolour painting depicting fishermen on blue wooden boats anchored in a still harbour with buildings and a lighthouse in the background. — fig 5. William Lee Hankey 1869 - 1952. The Love between Man and the Deep Blue Sea. Honfleur, Normandy. Framed Watercolour Painting.

William Lee Hankey was a British painter, book illustrator and one of the very best etchers of his generation. He had a full and fascinating life, studying and working in Europe, witnessing the German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914, focusing his work for a time on the plight of French refugees and seeing active service as a volunteer. He lived most of his life in England and exhibited at all the leading galleries, including the Royal Academy. He was President of the London Sketch Club and his work won many medals, including Gold Medal at the Barcelona International Exhibition. He became chairman of the Empire Art Council. Today his works are represented in collections in the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.