This painting by Tuke of two young men with an oar each rowing a small boat is possibly one entitled Going Ashore for the Skipper which is listed in Tuke’s register of paintings under 1902. He noted that the models were Georgie Fouracre and ‘Mitchie’ (Eddie Mitchell) the brother of Tuke’s regular model Charlie Mitchell. In his diary of 5 July 1902 Tuke wrote 'A long sketch with Georgie and two Mitchies'. Tuke describes the painting as a sketch in his register and he exhibited it at Harris’ in Plymouth where it sold. His major works of 1902 shown at the Royal Academy included young men in boats such as The Run Home (Royal Institution of Cornwall) and Ruby, Gold and Malachite (Guildhall Art Gallery, London) where he also used Georgie Fouracre and the Mitchell brothers, amongst others, as his models.
We are grateful to Catherine Wallace for her assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.