Arts column: Webster’s Ely’s Harbour was mistaken as a French work

The painting Ely’s Harbour was first identified as being painted in St Paul de Vence because the stretcher it was on was marked as such. It was not uncommon for an artist such as Webster to paint a canvas on location and then roll it up to travel and then re-stretch it upon returning home.

The previous owner of this work was a Francophile and collected only French- inspired work, much as Masterworks collects paintings inspired by Bermuda. Although it was mis-identified, he purchased it under the assumption it was St Paul de Vence. When he found out it was indeed Bermuda, he didn’t want it for his private collection and we were able to purchase it through a dealer in New York.

The painting was so obviously Bermuda with the white roofs and Pride of India tree that the only other question we asked ourselves after we had secured it for Masterworks was: “Where is this?” 

Because I had been “scouting” locations for the Department of Tourism to make photographs, I recognized the spot as being Ely’s Harbour looking across Somerset Road toward Scaur. The house on top of the hill, “Atahellea” was now in ruins but the cottage on the right still stood as it was painted in 1915. The landscape today has changed dramatically with more buildings on the hillside and lack of flora in the foreground.

Ambrose Webster was largely influenced by the French painters known as the “Fauves”(wild beasts) and the bright colours reflect that particular period. You can still recognize this view just past Somerset Bridge looking northeast. It’s worth the trip! 

Tom Butterfield is founder of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.  www.bermudamasterworks.com