St Mary Redcliffe

This superb oil on canvas was done by Samuel Jackson (1794-1869) around 1826.  He has painted a very accurate view ot the harbour seen from Prince Street Bridge.  Shipping includes merchantmen at The Grove (left), Severn trows, and the Grove ferry (centre distance).  Teast’s Shipyard is on the right. St Mary Redcliffe has a truncated spire; it had fallen in 1446 after being struck by lightning and was not replaced until 1872.  The church is shown surrounded by 18th century industrial buildings, including a brick kiln, the Shot Tower, and the cone of the Prewett Street glasshouse.

The picture was given by Anthony McGreevy, 2006, and  was conserved by Rachel Howells, Cardiff, 2010.  The Friends of Bristol Art Gallery funded the conservation.