Shipping offshore in a choppy sea, 1861
One of the main reasons for the growing interest in coastal scenes in English painting was the discovery of the shore as a place of recreation and pleasure. It was not until the reign of King George III (1738-1820) that the beach increasingly became a destination for leisure activities and a dip in salt water was perceived as beneficial to health. The wealthy public in particular, for whom small coastal paintings became fashionable, was attracted to the sea. In addition to the new market, artists also recognise the artistic appeal of the landscape, as boats, lighthouses, wrecks, etc. are just as suitable for creating an appealing composition as trees, animals or rivers. Despite their popularity, beaches are relatively rarely the subject of paintings.
Little is known about the life of Henry Redmore, a marine painter born in Kingston upon Hull. He worked in the north-east of England until his death and was probably influenced by the work of the Scottish marine painter William Anderson (1757-1837). In 1868 he exhibited at the Royal Academy in London for the only time on record, although it is thought that his work was presented there more frequently. Redmore is regarded as one of the most talented painters of the Hull School, skilfully integrating influences from the Dutch tradition into English painting. Since Hull, as a port city, played an important role in trade between continental Europe and the British Isles at the time, it is assumed that Redmore made study trips to Holland.