A SPLENDID OIL PAINTING “OFF BASS ROCK” dated 1891

S. H. Fyfe (English, mid/late 19th century) : A bright and cheerful OIL PAINTING on panel entitled “Bass Rock” which depicts a working boat sailing briskly in choppy seas off the Bass Rock, with figures on the shore to the foreground and larger vessels behind in the distance.  Excellent condition and fully signed and dated (1891) lower right corner.  15 x 19ins  (38 x 48 cms) including the frame.

** The Bass Rock is a somewhat extraordinary landmark (actually a “volcanic plug”) about 2 miles east off Berwick-on-Tweed in the Firth of Forth.  It is 313 feet high; has three sides of sheer cliff and a tunnel that pierces the rock to a depth of 105metres.  It is now a wildlife sanctuary, famous for the world’s largest Northern Gannet colony ~ indeed Sir David Attenborough has described the rock as “one of the 12 wildlife wonders of the world.”