Comprising seventy-two individual hand-painted ceramic tiles, this expansive panel depicts a fleet of English sailing ships at full mast on an open sea under a partly clouded sky. The scene is rendered in a stylized palette of blues, browns, and cream tones, characteristic of the early 20th-century English ceramic tradition. Each tile is painted and kiln-fired to form a cohesive maritime tableau, with visible outlines unifying the composition. Notable features include English naval flags on multiple ships, varied ship rigging, and sea birds flying overhead. The panel is framed and includes the impressed mark of DOULTON LAMBETH in the lower right corner alongside the artist’s signature, WM. ROWE (William Rowe) a known decorator for Doulton Lambeth during the Edwardian era. This specific tile mural was originally commissioned for the New Ship Hotel in Brighton, a coastal English establishment known for its nautical decor. The artistic execution and commission context suggest this piece was both decorative and commemorative, likely produced as a centerpiece for a prominent public or guest area. Two corners show surface wear or loss to the glaze, consistent with age and prior installation. A tile measures: 6″L x 0.5″W x 6″H.
Artist: William Rowe
Issued: c. 1910
Dimensions: See Description
Country of Origin: England
