Thalia
A Painting of a Classic British-built Boat
For me, the process of painting Thalia was about more than realistic detail — it was about evoking the soul of the boat. Every brushstroke was guided by a desire to honour her legacy and to offer collectors a visual experience that resonates with authenticity and reverence. I wanted to create a piece that speaks not only to art lovers but also to sailors and yacht owners who understand the quiet majesty of a well-balanced cutter under sail. Thalia is one of my most treasured maritime fine art originals.
British Maritime Heritage
As an artist inspired by the world of maritime heritage, painting Thalia, the Victorian cutter, was both a privilege and a personal joy. This classic vessel, with her elegant lines and timeless grace, embodies the spirit of a bygone era — an era where craftsmanship and adventure sailed hand in hand. Capturing her on canvas was not merely a technical exercise; it was a tribute to the enduring beauty of traditional yacht design and the stories etched into every plank and sail.
The Island Sailing Club's annual 'Round The Island Race'
This classic Victorian yacht painting, depicting Thalia 1889 racing during the Island Sailing Club's annual 'Round The Island Race', is a combination of realism and elegance. Over 115 hours work was involved in the creation of this large maritime painting. I was inspired to paint Thalia after seeing a photograph of her racing at the 2013 Round the Island Race.
As an artist, I wanted to depict this elegant boat in a way that would not only exemplify fine art boat painting and keep alive artistic traditions in maritime painting, but for the painting to also become a lasting visual snapshot and an authentic interpretation of a moment in the boat's incredible history, and as such, make this the perfect artwork for serious collectors and investors in fine maritime art.
Admiration for Classic Boat Design and Tradition
This painting is a celebration of maritime tradition, designed to appeal to those who appreciate the artistry of classic boat design and the emotional connection we feel when we see a vessel like Thalia gliding through the water. Whether you are a seasoned yachtsman, a collector of fine maritime art, or someone who cherishes the romance of the sea, I hope this work stirs something within you — a sense of nostalgia, admiration and the enduring allure of the ocean.
About the boat Thalia 1889...
Thalia is a Victorian yacht built and launched during 1889 by George F. Wanhill, Poole, Dorset. She has a deck length of 45 feet and is cutter rigged and has gaff sails and is built of oak frames with oak and pitch-pine planking, bronze fastened.
In 1889 she was first registered for R. Foley, Commodore of the Royal Cork Yacht Club. She was based in Ireland until around 1914, then she was based on the Thames until 1963. During the 1960s and 1970s she sailed to Turkey and the African Coast.
During the late 1980s a rebuild was started, but it was eventually abandoned. Just as she was due to be broken up, in 1993 she was bought by new owners who spent four years restoring her. The new owners then cruised the south coast of England for a time before sailing her across the Atlantic in 2007, breaking a record in the process and making her the oldest yacht to make such a crossing.
She is now registered with the UK National Maritime Museum. This historically important vessel has taken part in many races and classic yacht regattas and continues to race to this day. This painting depicts Thalia rounding the Needles during the 2013 Round the Island Race, Isle of Wight. In 2021, Classic Boat magazine readers voted Thalia 'Gstaad Yacht Club Centenarian of the Year' in the Classic Boat Awards.
The Quality of Maritime Art
Inspired by a photograph by sailing writer/photographer, Nic Compton, This painting has been painted onto a premium stretched linen canvas. It was painted using professional New Masters Classic Acrylic paints by Old Holland — a company that has its origins with the Dutch Masters going back to the 17th Century. Old Holland are renowned for the purity and quality of their high-grade pigments.
The painting has been protected with a specialized artist varnish. This painting has been professionally framed to Fine Art Guild standards.
The painting was framed by professional master framer, Mr G Coulthurst: A master craftsman and picture framer with over forty years experience at the time of framing. A respected and long-standing member of the Fine Art Guild, he has undertaken framing commissions for high profile artists, and for Parliament, and has work at Windsor Castle. This high quality bespoke frame has been hand-made and painted using traditional framing techniques.
PAINTING DETAILS:
Title: Thalia.
Medium: Acrylic on linen canvas.
Canvas size: 31.5 x 47.25 in. (80 x 120 cm.)
Frame size: 38 x 53.5 in. (96.5 x 136 cm.)
Frame: bespoke muted gilt-coloured frame with a soft polished sheen.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Painting Price: £19,500
Available: Direct from the artist. Please email me if you are interested in purchasing this painting.
Email: info@markwoollacott.com
How to Order This Painting
Ordering this painting is easy. Simply email me your contact details and let me know the title of the painting you wish to purchase (i.e. Thalia) and I will email you an invoice so you can make your payment. Please supply your full name, address and delivery address (if it is different from your home address) email address and telephone number — these details will have to go on the invoice. I will also have to provide this information to the delivery courier, who will require this information from me in order to deliver the artwork to you.
Once I have received the full payment from you for the artwork, I will carefully package the painting (include its certificate of authenticity) and prepare it for collection by the courier. I shall keep you updated by email and let you know when the courier will be collecting the artwork from me, and I will also provide you with a tracking reference number, which will allow you to check the status of the painting on the courier's website once it has been collected from me. This number will provide you with up-to-date information while the artwork is in transit and en route to your address.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you, or someone assigned by you, will be at the delivery address to receive the artwork when it is delivered by the courier. The parcel containing the painting may require a signature on delivery.
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the large size of this painting, the Thalia painting cannot be shipped outside the UK by traditional couriers, as the couriers have a maximum size limit on parcels. UK delivery only.
This boat was built in the UK and I am quite sentimental about that aspect of our maritime heritage. I think it only fitting that this artwork remains in the UK. I have had the painting displayed on my walls, at home, and have enjoyed it for many years. But now I am happy to let her go to another British home, where someone else can now enjoy and appreciate my artistic depiction of this famous boat.
Order the Art Print
Thalia art print is available to buy online at Fine Art America. Choose from a variety of print sizes, select quality fine art papers, print types (e.g. paper print, canvas print, metal print etc.), and framing options to suit your home or style.
Fine Art America has been selling my art prints since 2014, and has been in business since 2006 and are one of the largest, most-respected online art sites in the world, with more than 500,000 independent artists, and deliver worldwide. Fine Art America has the largest print-on-demand fulfilment network in the world. They have sixteen manufacturing centres located in five countries. Each manufacturing centre can ship products to any destination in the world.
To order your print, click or tap on the logo below to go direct to my profile page at the Fine Art America website:
Mark Woollacott is a member of Artists' Union England, the trade union for visual, applied and socially engaged artists www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subject of the painting?
The painting captures the classic Victorian gaff-rigged yacht Thalia as she sails past the iconic Needles on the Isle of Wight. The scene is based on her participation in the 2013 Round the Island Race, one of the most celebrated sailing events in the UK.
What size is the painting?
The artwork measures 80 x 120 cm (approximately 31.5 x 47.2 inches), making it a striking large-format maritime piece ideal for statement display. The overall size, including the frame, is 96.5 x 136 cm. (38 x 53.5 in.).
What materials were used in the painting?
This painting was created using professional high-quality acrylic paints by Old Holland, a brand renowned for its rich pigments and archival longevity.
Is the painting framed?
Yes, the painting is professionally framed in a hand-built, bespoke frame crafted by a master framer with over 40 years of experience. The frame was designed to complement the traditional maritime subject and museum-quality standards.
Is the painting an original artwork?
Absolutely. This is an original painting. It is signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity upon request.
Who is the artist?
The artwork is created by professional artist Mark Woollacott, known for marine and coastal subjects, capturing the interplay of light, water, and historical sailing vessels with both technical accuracy and expressive brushwork.
Where was the scene in the painting located?
The setting is just off the Needles, a famous geological landmark at the western tip of the Isle of Wight, UK. This area is iconic among sailors and maritime enthusiasts.
What is the historical significance of Thalia?
Thalia is a Victorian-era gaff-rigged sailing boat with classic lines and heritage appeal. Her presence in the 2013 Round the Island Race ties together historical design with contemporary sailing tradition. She sailed across the Atlantic, in 2007, breaking a record in the process and making her the oldest yacht to make such a crossing.
Is this painting available for purchase?
Yes. Please contact the artist directly by email to inquire about availability, pricing, and other options. Ideally, I would love this painting to remain in the UK.
Is shipping and insurance available for international buyers?
No, the painting of classic boat Thalia and its frame are too large to be shipped overseas via couriers, who have maximum size limits.
Intellectual Property
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