Frank McKelvey RHA RUA (1895-1974) The 'Ballyrush' at Warrenpoint Harbour Oil on canvas, 44.5 x 60cm (17.5 x 23.5'') Signed In McKelvey's paintings, each work is carefully composed to adequately...

Frank McKelvey RHA RUA (1895-1974) The 'Ballyrush' at Warrenpoint Harbour Oil on canvas, 44.5 x 60cm (17.5 x 23.5'') Signed In McKelvey's paintings, each work is carefully composed to adequately represent the scene to its advantage aesthetically. This painting focuses on the object of the commission - the Ballyrush motorship, one of John Kelly Ltd's vessels. On the funnel, the blue, white and red stripes and letter 'K' are visible to denote the company name. The ship is moored adjacent to the harbour and as the only large vessel depicted, asserts its importance. Beyond the Ballyrush, a bustling quayside is evident with a high pile of coal and cranes surrounding. The commercial fishing village of Warrenpoint is highlighted by a blanket cast of sunlight that lends the entire a picturesque character. Warrenpoint is strategically located at the head of Carlingford Lough on the east coast of Ireland on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Mourne Mountains are indicated behind the village and the sky is sparsely but effectively treated. Typical of McKelvey the composition is enlivened by foreground activity, here an open rowing boat with three fishermen is depicted and a small group of gulls above. McKelvey's palette is perfectly suited to its maritime setting. His use of colour and range of tones is carefully orchestrated to represent the scene with fidelity. There are affinities in treatment of sea and sky and composition with 'The Queens Bridge, Belfast' 1963, by McKelvey in the Belfast Harbour Collection. In this work there is a similar composition with light falling on the city in the centre, a small rowing boat and gulls alongside the ship in the foreground. The Ballyrush motorship was painted on at least three occasions by Frank McKelvey. It was built in 1962 in Aberdeen, weighing 1575 tons and was owned by John Kelly Ltd 1962-1985, then subsequently sold. Marianne O'Kane Boal, May 2012

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