All Aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry – in sale on 5 April

In the preview sale on 5 April, All Aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry is one of the latest crop of paintings which will be on show, and offered at a discount price to those attending this celebration of the start of another season of art.

• 142 Walking back to Hope Cove
• 144 Merlin on the Run
• 145 Schooner Sunset
• 146 Merlins Racing past Fishermans
• 147 Summer in Salcombe
• 148 All Aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry

All Aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry

My first visit to Salcombe in 1948 began with a ride on this vital ferry. I was only five years old and my father was determined to visit the Ferry Inn on the Salcombe shore. Cannot think why!

Since then, I visited Salcombe many times, eventually fulfilling my dream of retiring to Salcombe, moving here in 2007 and setting up my gallery at Beacon House five years ago.

This latest painting reminds me, yet again, of that first ride aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry, seven decades ago!

Defending the East Portlemouth ferry service

When the Salcombe lifeboat, Baltic Exchange III, was first launched, it was put on display at one of the London Docks adjacent to the London Boat Show. Members of the public were invited to go aboard and explore this state-of-the-art rescue craft. The lifeboat crew were on hand to escort – and explain its features to – those who came aboard.

One visitor asked Tricky if he had another job in addition to crewing the RNLI craft. Tricky replied, with some pride, that he was a ferryman.

‘What sort of job is that!’ exclaimed the pompous visitor.

Tricky explained that the East Portlemouth ferry service operated every day of the year. It was an honour, he said, to fulfil the long-standing obligations of the ferry service, one which benefited inhabitants of Salcombe town and East Portlemouth, and visitors too. I witnessed this exchange and echoed Tricky’s defence of the importance of this ferry service, and its vital role for those who needed to cross the water. Mr Pompous was not convinced and, unfortunately, left before we could throw him in the dock.

Have you noticed that, during the quieter times, it always appears that the ferry is on the wrong side – the other side! – when you want it?

In my painting, I captured that classic moment, with the ferryman reading his book or newspaper.

This painting has long ago sold but is available as a greetings card and in the affordable art range of products.

Come to the Preview evening: 6-9pm on Friday 5 April

If you would like an invitation to the Preview evening, please contact me. You will be made very welcome at Beacon House Gallery.