Original Oil Painting
Keith Gardner RCA - Oil on canvas — “Mersey Ferries”
Atmospheric Mersey riverscape capturing Birkenhead’s working waterfront and iconic skyline
Key Details
Artist: Keith Gardner RCA (1933–2025)
Title: “Mersey Ferries”
Medium: Oil on canvas
Support: Canvas
Signature: Signed (main river scene)
Dimensions: Image: 46 × 56 cm (18.1 × 22.0 in) • Frame: 54 × 64 cm (21.3 × 25.2 in)
Condition: Good overall condition; light age-related wear
Provenance: Acquired from the artist’s estate at auction (2025); private UK collection
Description
A highly atmospheric and location-specific Mersey riverscape by RCA Academician Keith Gardner, capturing the working river and distinctive Birkenhead waterfront. The composition shows a ferry crossing reflective water, with the skyline clearly identifying Birkenhead, including the Mersey Tunnel ventilation tower, the tower of Hamilton Square Station, and surrounding dockside architecture. The painting demonstrates Gardner’s confident brushwork and strong sense of place, and is notably larger than his typical works.
The reverse reveals a fully realised secondary oil painting depicting a rural landscape with tree and agricultural elements, executed in a looser, expressive style—effectively offering two original artworks in one.
About the Artist
Keith Gardner RCA (1933–2025) was a highly regarded British painter associated with the North West of England and North Wales. Educated at Liverpool Art College, he became an influential figure in the regional art scene. He was elected Associate Member of the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1977 and became a full Academician in 1983. Gardner exhibited widely, including a major retrospective exhibition “Forty Years a Member” at the Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy. His works are held in public and private collections and are admired for their handling of light, atmosphere, and strong regional identity.
Estimated Date
Late 20th century
Provenance & Notes
Acquired from the artist’s estate following his passing in 2025; subsequently held in a private UK collection. A strong regional subject with identifiable landmarks, appealing to collectors of Northern and Wirral-related artwork.
