Typical of his early works, C1998/9, being painted with bitumen. This particular work features figures in oil skins, probably fishermen, attempting a rescue of a ship in distress.
Anthony Amos
One of the most exciting aspects of dealing in art and antiques is to feel a part of a story to which you are particularly drawn and be able to extend that story to a greater audience.
We have long been passionate advocates of the work of the late Anthony Amos and are pleased to be able to offer a number of his paintings, some of which have never been previously available for sale. An Anthony Amos painting is becoming increasingly rare and some of the examples we have are new to the market and amongst the finest from his tragically short career.
Another typical scene drawn from his experiences, depicting a tramp steamer in dry dock undergoing a refit or repair.
Born in Bristol in 1950, Anthony Amos was encouraged to attend art school but in his wisdom decided to experience the wider world working firstly as a butchers boy and then going to sea – working on tug boats and trawlers – before joining the Merchant Navy before returning to fishing trawlers, mainly in the North Sea. A fascinating development to his career was when he became involved with the restoration of the
S.S. Great Britain.
Becalmed Thames barges. Another theme for Anthony
However, with the passage of time, his passion for art was resurfacing. Although entirely self taught he attended Manchester Art College evening classes as a mature student, going on to The Heart of England Art College in Bristol where he gained a distinction. Not satisfied with this achievement he then went on to Cardiff Art College to extend his art to Aesthetics.
An unusual subject for Anthony. This one the interior of a motive power depot or shed, possibly Bristol with which he would have been familiar.
Anthony Amos distinctive style of painting was Inspired by his experiences at sea, marine subjects became his first love. Painting in oils combined with water and other compounds, thereby bringing differing textures to his work, he captures the many differing moods of the sea and sky, and combined with the variety of ships he has observed and worked on, his paintings became dramatic and full of atmospheric movement. All this is achieved without the need for brushes – painting with cloth and fingers only.
