Fishing near the Calf of Man
Date made: late 19th century
Artist: Holland, John
Description: Fishing near the Calf of Man, drawing in charcoal or pastel by John Holland. Thought to be the west side of the Calf of Man, with fishing boats in the foreground.
John Holland was the son of Samuel Holland, a house painter, sign writer and artist. Several members of his family were artists, as well as working in the family painting and decorating firm. He uncle taught him to work in charcoal, a medium with which he was to become most strongly identified in his later career.
Following his marriage in 1880 and a year living in London, the Holland family moved to the Isle of Man in 1883, first living in Port St Mary and then by 1891 moving to Douglas. Holland established himself as a prolific artist, specialising in large detailed charcoal drawings of contemporary Manx scenes such as this one. These proved popular both as decoration for the new hotels being built on Douglas Promenade and as up-market souvenirs of the Isle of Man.
Measurements: artwork: 114 cm x 152 cm
Materials: paper : charcoal or pastel
Object name: Drawing
Collection: Art Collection
ID number: 1963-0111