George William Pilkington (1876-1958)

“HMS Amphion in False Bay” 

Original Signed Drypoint Etching circa 1913

SOUTH AFRICAN INTEREST 

also 

ROYAL NAVY/WW1 INTEREST 

HMS Amphion described as an “Active Class” Scout Cruiser entered service in 1913, having been laid down in 1911. 

At the outbreak of The Great War in 1914 she was the first British Royal Navy warship casualty, striking a German laid mine in the Thames Estuary, and sank. 

Thus this etching by Pilkington was more than likely executed by him when the vessel was on an inaugural visit to South Africa by the year before. 

At the south eastern end of False Bay lies the naval base of Simonstown, just up from Cape Point 

In 1913 it was a British Royal Navy base and it makes complete sense that she should have been there at that time.

George Pilkington was educated in Cape Town. As a young man, he was recorded as playing full back for Hamilton Rugby Football Club in Sea Point in the 1890’s. Hamilton RFC is the oldest recorded rugby club in SA.  

Initially pursuing a career as a civil servant, recorded that Pilkington was painting nd printmaking part time. In 1924 recorded that he had turned his attention full time to developing his career as an artist. Thus this work basis 1913 is an early work by him. 

He exhibited widely in South Africa and there are many auction and sales records of both his paintings and etchings available to view. 

Plate: 14.5cm x 19.5cm. Sheet: 23cm x 29.5cm. Printed on a light cream laid paper showing F J Head watermark lower left and showing full deckled edges.  The etching is loose, unmounted, unframed. Shows full deckled edges

Signed in pencil right lower margin and titled in pencil on the left. 

Condition is superb w with absolutely no foxing, tears, damage or creasing. I doubt if ever mounted or framed. 

My photos are taken only in natural daylight. I do not digitally enhance images. I try to ensure what you see is what you get.