‘The Yacht Race’ by Sir William Orpen, a photogravure print from the original colour version (c. 1913).
This print is from a set of 10 reproductions of Orpen’s watercolours, mostly from Howth. The 23×18 inch prints were sold as a set for £2.2 shillings (Carriage extra 2 shillings) or separately for 5 shillings (Carriage extra 1s).
The prints were produced in Germany and a number of unscrupulous dealers sold them as original drawings, Orpen’s signature was included in the reproductions. He did sell a number of ‘Limited Edition’ prints which he signed under his printed signature.
(1) On the Cliff 1913.
(2) The Yacht Race c.1913.
(3) Sowing New Seed 1913.
(4) The Breeze 1910.
(5) Kit c.1913.
(6) The Winner.
(7) The Draughtsman & his Model 1910.
(8) Babies Embracing 1913.
(9) The Bather.
(10) After Bathing 1913.
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The Original colour version.
‘The Yacht Race’, also known as ‘Sighting the Boat’ and ‘Watching the Yacht Race’.
The watercolour includes Orpen’s daughter Kit (Christine), his wife Grace and either himself or one of his students from The Dublin Metropolitan Art School (now NCAD).
It is possible they are watching William’s father Arthur Herbert Orpen in a yacht race, he was a member of the Royal Alfred Yacht Club which still races each year from Dun Laoghaire to Howth.
See also: – https://www.sirwilliamorpen.com/on-the-cliff-howth-dublin-by-william-orpen-1913/
‘Off the Wall’ Online Art Auction at Morgan O’Driscoll, Cork. 1st Feb 2021. Lot: 333. Estimate: €250 – €350. Sold: €550 Hammer Price.
Post by Dominic Lee, Orpen Research Project.