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Launching the Lifeboat on the Yorkshire Coast
by W Crossley

Research by Rita Calvert 
Picture
Acc No               92
Artist                  W Crossley
Artist dates        1898-1903
Medium              Oil on canvas
Size                    73.7 x 127cm (29 x 50 in)
Date painted      1903
Inscr:                  Signed and dated 1903
Donor                 Mrs Annie Clegg, 76 Park Road, St Annes
Date donated     15 February 1937
ARTIST & PAINTING

There is very little information about this artist who painted mainly seascapes. 

The lifeboat was called the 'William and Frances'. It was a 37ft rowing and sailing boat, built in 1895, which was pulled by two horses to the waters edge on a wooden cart with large wheels. You can see one of the cart wheels in the picture. There are seven crew members. They are on their way to a rescue and would only be able to use their oars as the sea is so rough. To the left of the picture there appears to be two masts of the stricken ship. The people to the left could possibly be relatives of those in danger at sea.   It has been suggested that the lifeboat could have been launched at Bridlington.

DONOR

The most likely donor of the picture is Mrs Annie Clegg. Her husband was Edward Clegg, who died 6 December 1935.  Edward was born in 1872 and lived in Park Road, St Annes.  He possibly owned Clegg & Company, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents of The Square, St Annes.
REFERENCES

Peter Thompson at Whitby Lifeboats
www.amounderness.co.uk
Barretts Directory of Blackpool and Fylde 1924
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