Seaworthy: The Boat Builders takes pride of place at maritime museum

Helen Bellany, partner and muse of internationally acclaimed artist the late John Bellany CBE, unveils one of the “key works” of his career.

The Boat Builders is now the “jewel in the crown” of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s new national art collection.

Rarely seen since it was painted in 1962 when Bellany was a 21-year-old art stu- dent, the huge 3m by 5m oil on board painting was acquired with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund and National Fund for Acquisitions.