Brush with the Bay
Paintings images courtesy of www. walmsleysoc.org unpretentious little book. It was compiled by the Walmsley Society, and published by the North York Moors National Park. What a wonderful collection of paintings that so admirably portray the essence of the coastal beauty we enjoy. It was while Walmsley was working as an artist in the ‘Bay’ that he was commissioned by Ruddock’s of Lincoln to paint a variety of attractive local scenes for their postcard business.
For those who appreciate the great outdoors in all its varied moods, his paintings capture not only the scenes, but the atmosphere of the landscapes. Savour the isolated expanse of purple moorland to the tranquil village scenes and peaceful valleys. Ulric Walmsley had a talent for painting people too – a facet of art not always accomplished by landscape painters. His portrayal of fishermen, women and children where they worked or played, convey an intimate relationship with his home surroundings.
Walmsley’s paintings portray bays and cliffs of Robin Hood’s Bay, Boggle Hole, Ravenscar, Raw, Thorpe, Sandsend, Runswick Bay and Staithes along with inland scenes of mills and cottages. By strange coincidence, my favourite three were those also selected by my husband.
The view from the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay captured the essence of the village with tightly-packed houses clinging precariously to the cliffs.
Rigg Mill, painted in 1909, nestles in a secluded valley near Stainsacre. Be inspired by the tranquil scene and surging water by the weir.
Our third favourite simply had to be Mill Beck at Boggle Hole, with its many haunting memories.
Ulric Walmsley held the key to unlocking those treasures of the North York Moors National Park.
Seek on King Street a blue wall plaque No 1984. It’s opposite the Men’s Institute.