Approaching England HMS Pickle off Mounts Bay on course for Falmouth is in the later phase of sketch and research.  

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This copy of this well known HMS Pickle painting is going to Cornwall and will be beautifully remarqued. 

The famous schooner HMS Pickle is of course featured on this web site.

Much of her history is featured here on this web site and makes a good read plus we still have a few copies left of the stunning and best selling print “I have urgent dispatches“.

“Reference to a presentation on HMS Pickle, could i ask you a few questions,
Do you know the max speed and cruising speed of the schooner and when was the name officially changed?”

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Pickle is reputed to have spoken with fishing luggers who raced the news to the port of Mousehole where allegedly the Trafalgar news was first announced. I’m going to try and contact some of the Cornish lugger people.

The Golden Hinde I am preparing to paint is the ship as built by Alan Hinks team at Appledore.

The painting can also serve to introduce ‘The Art of Gordon Frickers’ to some leading galleries and auction houses; which one will seize the opportunity to sell this unique picture?

Paintings of dinghy sailing are rare, portraits of famous sailors rarer, a  painting licensed by the British Olympic Association, probably utterly unique.

For further information read on or phone Frickers -

(UK) 01865 522435 (International: +44 1865 522435)

(France) 05 63 40 72 25 (International +33 5 63 40 72 25)

The painting “Going for Gold” shows Ben Ainslie on his way to winning the first of 3 successive Olympic Gold medals. – “Going for Gold” – 762 x 1016 mm (30″ x 40″)

http://frickers.co.uk/marine-art/ben_ainslie_sydney_olympics.html

This picture was produced under license with the special permission of the British Olympic Association.

Ben Ainslie is one of Britain’s most renowned high profile living sailors.

He continues to build a distinguished career

Gordon Frickers is a highly experienced and respected marine artist who has worked with some of the British Olympic squad and the British Olympic Association.

Gordon is the only marine artist to have been invited to exhibit at The European Parliament (May 2011).

He was commissioned for a series of paintings for HMS Victory, and has produced several significant works depicting this famous ship and the Nelsonian subjects.

Illustrated here, Trafalgar dawn the French Perspective, painted in 2010, exhibited in Brussels, the original is available at the time of writing as are signed numbered copies.

Gordon Frickers has featured in many journals this year including Sea Breezes and Warships IFR.

His “Roaring Forties” was recently described by Dick Durham (Yachting Monthly) as “iconic”.

“Putting something back” – Ben and Gordon agreed as sailors who have benefited from the RYA / BOA system, they wish a significant percentage of the sale price to be donated to the BOA.

This picture was produced under license with the special permission of the British Olympic Association who by act of Parliament has exclusive copyright to all images pertaining to the British in any Olympic Games.

We have a limited permission to reproduce this image in support of Gordon Frickers work.

Ben Ainslie and Gordon Frickers co-operated closely to produce this unique Olympic Games action portrait of Ben Ainslie at the Sydney Olympic Games in a Laser sail boat on his way to win his first of 4 gold medals for sailing.

Ben Ainslie besides winning 4 successive Olympic Gold medals is on course for a 5^th in 2012 and if successful equals Paul Elvstrom the “Great Dane”, considered the all time best Olympic sailor. Sailing is more competitive today than in Elvstrom’s time, may hold the modest Ainslie in awe! Ainslie was elected ISAF World Sailor of the Year in 1998, 2002 and 2008.

Quote from Sir Robert Knox-Johnston:

“From a very happy owner of an original Gordon Frickers painting” (The iconic “Roaring Forties”)

Quote from letter to Mr Andrew Bray, Editor of Yachting World:

“I have won a few prizes in my short racing career, but I can assure you this will be the one I treasure most. Please convey my appreciation to the artist (Gordon Frickers) and once again my sincere thanks to you and your organisation for such a wonderful prize” M. J. Leadbeater.

Quote from “Sea Breezes”: (long established world wide magazine of ships and the sea)

“We are delighted to report that Frickers was uniquely invited to exhibit at The European Parliament 23^rd- 26^th May 2011.  The exhibition titled “Life on the Ocean Wave” included many of Frickers most significant works…..

…..Frickers is the only artists who is a member of The British Marine Federation, and Superyacht UK”

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We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to review other painting by this versatile artist, marine painting embracing many subjects and in particular his less known vibrant  landscapes.

http://www.frickers.co.uk/marine-art/index.html

http://www.frickers.co.uk/colour/index.html

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Typical Press story: The Mail on line wrote: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2019087/London-2012-Olympics-Yachtsman-Ben-Ainslie-Britains-modern-day-Steve-Redgrave.html

Yachtsman Ben Ainslie is Britain’s modern-day Steve Redgrave. In his final Olympics, prepare for the sail of the century.

I was here to study at close quarters what makes our helmsman — Ben Ainslie CBE, winner of three Olympic gold medals and one silver — a phenomenon as worthy of admiration as anyone in contemporary sport.

He may not be mobbed in Regent Street but he is the principal celebrity — a description he would thankfully detest — in any yachting town. ‘I never have and don’t suppose I ever will have to go through what somebody like Lewis Hamilton or David Beckham goes through,’ he said.

Determined to win a fourth gold in London — a feat that would leave him behind only Sir Steve Redgrave in British Olympic history for the level of success accrued over a span of 16 years.

‘There is this fear-of-losing thing,’ he said. ‘It’s competing for something you set out to achieve and not wanting to fail. It’s the same as A-level students who go out to get three A’s and work their arses off. They don’t want to come up short. Over and above that, this is a competition, so you don’t want to be beaten by guys who are younger than you or who you think you should be beating.’

That is the essential Ben Ainslie.

My connection with HMS Pickle goes back a long way and includes a lengthy commission for HMS Victory which resulted in some great pictures (several available as heritage prints from page
http://www.frickers.co.uk/prints.html

Curiously when I was filmed in Nelson’s Great Cabin onboard HMS Victory for the BBC TV programme “The Boats that Built Britain” I found myself being asked by narrator Tom Cunliffe to give a character reference for Pickle’s commander.
See this blog December 5th – http://www.frickers.co.uk/blog/2009/12/05/portsmouth-hms-victory-and-pickle/.

Can you imagine the experience to be on HMS Victory early on a December morning when only Victory’s Royal Navy staff are present?

At 07.30 on a chilly 5th of December 2009 morning I found myself in Nelson’s day cabin being asked about the mind set of the sailors after the battle of Trafalgar and giving a character reference for Lt Lapenotiere of HM Schooner Pickle (he of possibly the most miss pronounced miss spelt name in British naval history) ~ and this was to go on National TV?!
My view is that despite desertions and floggings Lt Lapenotiere was a good commander and very fine seaman.

He commanded a very small very wet vessel that must have been seriously unpleasant in winter and he sailed Pickle in dangerous coastal waters with out misshap, with some élan and some distinction.

How Lt Lapenotiere managed this and his men is a story in its self for another time, maybe.

One of my best known pictures features Pickle, “I have urgent dispatches“.
If you wish reproduce this image for the purpose of an educational presentation (only) do go ahead, free of charge.
A credit shown with the image mentioning web site and availability of prints would be appreciated, thank you.
The Pickle in “I have urgent dispatches” is after much research including of similar period vessels, models, other paintings and the only illustration probably overseen by her then commander Lt Lapenotiere is considered by some leading authorities as showing her most likely actual appearance.

Available as a heritage edition in print, signed and numbered, the first copy was presented by the officers of HMS Seahawk mess in 2005 to the Princess Royal in appreciation of her assistance with the commemorative voyage, Trafalgar to Falmouth, of the news of Trafalgar and death of Nelson.
Having made a special study which started in 1994 when I was commissioned to paint to raise funds for HMS Victory , of HMS Pickle, I have a considerable amount of information here about HMS Pickle and other vessels of her type.
I am also keenly aware some books and many web sites present info on Pickle as fact and are simply wrong or at best guessing.
Example: in my view Pickle was probably built at or near Plymouth.

Bermuda is often suggested for which I’ve seen no supporting evidence.

I have a huge respect for the achievements of the men of that period, I feel HMS Victory is still visited by their spirit.

I even felt contacts with these formidable men while painting “Trafalgar Dawn” (http://www.frickers.co.uk/marine-art/trafalgar_dawn.html)

That story is mentioned in Trafalgar Dawn, further reading (picture available as a signed edition exclusively from this web site).

You may also like to know I am currently working on 2 new “Pickle” paintings.

I wish my naval friend all the best with his presentation a copy of which would be of great interest.

I like the idea of a Leading Seaman giving a command leadership presentation to senior officers.
In any event I hope he does let us know how he got on and of any funny stories.

Tectona takes disadvantaged young people on life-changing working voyages including some for people with drug problems.

The painting which you can click on for a larger image illustrated here is for sale.

The focus of Tectona’s work is very much on designing the experience to optimise change for trainees.

She is also again working with Plymouth University both through the Blue Gym research project, and by providing facilities for current Marine Institute students.”

roger@tectona.org.uk

Tectona

Tectona was built in Calicut, India in 1929 and takes her name from a type of  Teak tree.

Tectona was built by the local people, also the elephants, who were given the task of dragging the huge teak trees down to the beach.

• Length Overall 80 ft
• draught 10.9 ft
• Length Waterline 60 ft
• breadth 18.5 ft
• Sail area 2000 ft²
• Displacement 75 Tons
• Berths 12

Tectona is a big vessel by today’s standards based in Plymouth and her voyages will be around the South West frequently visiting Dartmouth, Salcombe, Fowey, Falmouth, the Channel Islands and the Sciliy Isles whenever possible.

Tectona sails with groups of twelve people in addition to her Captain and two mates.

www.frickers.co.uk continues to be delighted to help Tectona and many other marine projects.

http://frickers.co.uk/marine-art/dispute_settled.html, one copy of each sold via the web site so a busy day today preparing them.

This was the first copy of “Trafalgar Dawn the French Perspective” to be sold and very appropriately to the person who gave me the most encouragement to paint this awesome scene.

“Rhoda Mary and Katie Cluett, a dispute settled” will be going to a descendant of one of the captains of the elegant schooner Katie Cluett.

Much of the story of there 2 beautiful schooners, reputedly the fastest of their breed,  can be found in our Marine Gallery, merchant sail.

on the further reading page Trafalgar Dawn the French Perspective” is the opposite view to the now quite famous “Trafalgar Dawn” which I painted while the only artist ever to work officially for HMS Victory.

See: http://frickers.co.uk/marine-art/trafalgar_dawn.html

Print No 1 is going framed to KP  an officer in the Royal Navy whom I first got to know in 2005.

He asked me to supply a framed copy of “I have urgent dispatches” complete with the rather spendid Seahawk mess Trafalgar night dinner menu.

http://frickers.co.uk/marine-art/urgent_dispatches.html .

This for the officers mess, HMS Seahawk, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, for the Admirals to present to Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

This was in appreciation of her role supporting the 2005 Trafalgar commemoration and re enactment of the Trafalgar News reaching London via HMS Pickle and from Falmouth by coach to the Admiralty in London.

By great good fortune we were able to give the Princess Royal copy number one thus it is all the more appropriate that KP has copy No 1 of “Trafalgar Dawn the French Perspective”.

KP has been a good friend ever since including organising an exhibition at RNAS Culdrose from which we sold some 30 prints.

KP is very enthusiastic about ‘The Art of Gordon Frickers‘ saying “good marine military pictures are hard to get” and has frequently been so kind as to recommend my work to his colleagues.

He has also given me much encouragement and some of the drive needed to produce this awesome historical piece which ia about as close as we will ever get to seeing the event through French eyes on that fateful morning, Monday the 21t of October 1805 seen hear at approximately 06.20.

I pleasing touch on the margin of the pictures is a printed remaque from one of my working drawings showing the British fleet and naming each individual ship.

Thus if you are a descendant of a Trafalgar man you will be able to find your ancestor’s ship.

The positioning of the ships is as accurate as anyone is likely to get, the result of years of research and included correcting the official accounts!

All the accounts of the officers of the combined fleet agree the British fleet of Nelson was not in regular order.

My research confirms this hence the distribution and distance off of the British Fleet of Nelson.

In fact Nelson’s ships were in very roughly 4 columns.

I used numerous sources and many sketches to establish the facts as best possible, maybe some day I should write the story of how it was done more fully?

Thus we are among the first to see again the British fleet at first light on a day when they changed world history.

A day that was not the end of the Emperor Napoleon but the beginning of the end of Napoleon.

Alan said, “don’t open them on the ferry, I don’t want you bringing them back” – not likely, excellent! 

Once again Adaptgraphics have made a superb job of this new print including the remarque, this will make a thrilling pair when shown with “Trafalgar Dawn the view from H M S Victory” as each picture looks into the other, a true pair. 

As with the previous picture the margin includes a printed remarque showing and naming in order the entire fleet seen on the horizon.

Are you a descendant of a Trafalgar veteran?

Your family oral history might tell or the surviving official ship crew lists in which case you can on this picture, place your ancestor at 06.20 21st October 1805…

In this instance we are among the first since the eye witnesses to see a very carefully researched view of the British fleet commanded by Horatio Nelson, our ship is the French flagship the 80 gun Bucentaure, ’star date’ being Monday, 21st October 1805 at approximately 06.20 a.m.

In this case working out the appearance of the British Fleet was one of 2 lengthy studies with the final parts of the impression only falling into place after the painting was started.

An example being unexpectedly finding evidence of some thing I’d long suspected.

Meaning the British frigates were commanded from Captain Henry Blackwood’s frigate HMS Euryalus.

The Admiralty Committee of 1913, ordered by the king to research from official sources what actually happened at Trafalgar – as opposed to the popular and some what propagandist myth subsequently spun, placed Euryalus ahead of the fleet at 06.20.

However I had noticed Blackwood was said to be with Nelson all morning only departing Victory about the time the first shots were fired.

Of course that does not mean he was with Nelson at first light.

However when one discovers in later years Blackwood retold his story around the dinner table to his subsequent first officer who wrote it down…  and Blackwood was was quite emphatic that Euryalus was near Victory at dawn and he did board at first light.

Thus by such minor finds and others I was gradually able to build up what is probably the best historical guess at the true appearance of the British fleet as seen by the men, many of whom were very gallant that day but doomed to be living their last hours, of the French flagship Bucentaure on that fateful dawn.

Many other pieces of the puzzle had to be dealt with, had to be assembled.

For example why did all the drawings by the officers of the combined fleet show a “wall” of British ships at dawn and yet their journals all agree the “British fleet was not in regular order”…

Then there was the question of Villeneuve, what did he look like, what uniforms were worn, did the uniforms conform to the regulations laid down by Napoleon in 1803 (nop!) and so on…?

These and many other questions I’ll answer ASAP when  have time to fully write up the story, scan my sketches, working drawings and quote the sources, possibly when we start in earnest the follow up book to “Life on the Ocean Wave” ISBN 0 – 978-0-9569109-0-5.

By the way Life on The Ocean Wave is available on Amazon and other leading web sites and both these amazing prints from page

http://frickers.co.uk/prints.html

You can order securely using Paypal or ask to arrange an equally secure bank to bank transfer.

So to the Amorique ferry, quite a new ship launched 2009, 29,500 gross tonnage and one her crew are evidently proud of.

I reached Mill bay with some 10 minutes to spare, enjoyed the crossing using the 6 hours to relax in the sun, watch a film, have a snooze and take a tasty meal.

I don’t often arrive in Roscoff in daylight.

Somehow I managed to be the last but 2 of the vehicles off the ferry so was further delayed by traffic until reaching the auto-route south and an easier drive to Thehillac where crept as quietly as possible into a designated bedroom, not wishing to wake my Hosts.

Good military pictures are rare, now who wants a copy Now, of this historic new picture while stocks last?

Today, I have been working mostly on the remarque drawing which will as per the view of “Trafalgar Dawn” from HMS Victory (available as a signed print from page http://www.frickers.co.uk/marine-art/trafalgar_dawn.html) appear in the margin with the ships on the horizon individually named in order; you do remember HMS Victory?

Here is one of the working studies for the battle of Trafalgar dawn. 

I’ll show you on this blog the actual remarque within the next few days.

Then you can be one of the first people since the eye witnesses to see how the British fleet lead by Lord Nelson appeared at first light on that momentous day.

Since the EP expo, I have made some minor changes to this painting and am waiting for a calm sunny day to re photograph the picture then we can go to print.

The weather here in Plymouth has been mostly wild wet n windy which I have enjoyed as invigorating, the air smells clean and sweet with the scent of the sea

My time in England is rapidly drawing to a close, I’m scheduled to sail on the 4th from Plymouth.

Moving on, you may like to know I’ll be near Redon for a few days 5th to 9th July.