Frank McKelvey RHA RUA (1895-1974) The 'Ballyloran' Approaching Bank Quay, Larne Watercolour, 24 x 33cm (9.5 x 13'') Signed Provenance: Commissioned by John Kelly Ltd for their Kelly Calendar,...

Frank McKelvey RHA RUA (1895-1974) The 'Ballyloran' Approaching Bank Quay, Larne Watercolour, 24 x 33cm (9.5 x 13'') Signed Provenance: Commissioned by John Kelly Ltd for their Kelly Calendar, 1960. This painting by McKelvey is interesting as it is looser than his typical watercolours. The result is a vibrant composition and one of the few commissioned Kelly works that features a quay, probably due to coal being Bank Quay's main cargo with figures in black busy at work. The balance of the ship's depiction to the left and the quay activity on the opposite side coupled with the unifying elements of land, sea and sky make this an attractive watercolour. It was used for the Kelly Calendar in 1960. The Bank Quay, situated on the tidal western shore of Larne Lough, has been closed since 1995. Previously regular coal imports were shipped in through the Bank Quay along with other dry bulk cargoes such as china clay. It has been under the ownership of various fuel importers through the years and was a regular calling point for the Kelly collier fleet. The 'Ballyloran' was built by A Hall & Co. at Aberdeen in 1958, 1290gt for John Kelly Ltd, and was the firms first motorship. She and her sister Ballylesson were driven by six-cylinder British polar engines. The 'Ballyloran was sold in 1981 to Egyptian interests. Marianne O'Kane Boal, May 2012

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