John Wilson Carmichael Signed Original Early 19th Century Antique Watercolour Painting Filey [Bridge] Brigg Flamborough Head Historical Yorkshire Seascape

Type of artwork: An Original Antique Watercolour Painting

Surface: Paper

Signed J.W.C.

By John Wilson Carmichael (1800–1868)

Signed and titled lower left in Carmichael’s hand

Ancient history

The first record of Filey Brigg's ancient history was made by a local antiquarian, Dr Cortis (MD), who excavated a Roman signal station in 1857. In November that year he delivered a lecture to Filey's antiquarians in which he enumerated a number of findings made by "a painter belonging to Filey, named Wilson,"[4] who had found large quantities of Roman pottery, bones and charred wood in the area of Carr Naze on the northern side of Filey Bay. The findings encouraged more excavations, the result of which was five large stones believed to be altars or bases of pillars, a dog chasing a stag being carved on one of them.

Artist Biography:

John Wilson Carmichael was a celebrated British marine and coastal painter, renowned for his finely observed depictions of ships, shorelines, and the natural drama of the North East coast. Born in Newcastle, Carmichael trained as a shipwright before becoming a full-time artist, giving his maritime works an exceptional accuracy and understanding of structure.

He exhibited extensively at the Royal Academy, the Society of British Artists, and the British Institution, and became one of the most respected coastal painters of his generation. His works are held in major collections including the National Maritime Museum, Laing Art Gallery, and numerous UK regional museums. Carmichael travelled widely but maintained a lifelong connection to the Yorkshire and Northumberland coastline, producing many atmospheric studies on location.

This rare sepia wash drawing is a fine example of his plein-air coastal sketching style, combining geological observation, confident draughtsmanship, and delicate touches of bodycolour.

Approximate age of artwork: Circa mid 19th Century

Depiction or Location: A superb coastal study of Filey Bridge (Brigg), looking south-east towards Flamborough Head. Carmichael has added geological notes on the right-hand cliffs (“black shale,” “blue shale rock”), revealing his method of recording locations with topographical accuracy.

Is the artwork Framed or Mounted: Vintage Mable / Burr frame included free of charge (see notes below).

Condition report: The artwork is in good condition for its age, with no major foxing, staining, or structural issues. The sepia tones are strong and the paper is stable. The paper has some age related slight unevenness. The frame shows age-related wear and is offered free with the artwork; no warranty is provided on frames, as per standard postal policy. Please inspect photographs for full detail.

Size of artwork: 58 x 48 cm including mount and frame (mount aperture approx. 36 x 26 cm)

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