Ribbing ‘Matilda’: Portrait of David Glasson and the Standard Motor Launch ex-HMAS Parramatta (I) ©2019 (Watercolour, 67 x 86 cm.) $5,500.00

Royal Australian Navy Heritage Series

Original artwork painted on French heavy weight Arches watercolour paper, and includes Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Artist.

Also available on request as a museum grade giclee print to your preferred size

Category: Original Art and Prints

Description

Description

This Standard Motor Launch was originally designed & built in 1910 as part of the fit-out for H.M.A.S. PARRAMATTA (I), was affectionately nick-named ‘Matilda’ after the popular Australian ballad, Waltzing Matilda, mostly for an inability to maintain a straight line and her habit of waltzing across the water!

The wreck of the ‘Matilda’ was acquired on behalf of the Naval Heritage Collection when she came up for sale. Over the years, in the hands of private owners, she had been modified beyond recognition!

Her subsequent restoration is due to the expertise and vision of David Glasson and a dedicated group of good mates, including Glenn Wallace, Brian Thomas, Cyril Humbert, Dennis O’Brien, Tony Taranto, Benoit Bouf, Neville Brown & Toby Maigaard.

In 2017, David was awarded the prestigious Australian Wooden Boat Association’s HAL HARPUR AWARD for his superb restoration of a significant part of our maritime heritage.

Additional sources: Peter Munro, Matilda waltzes above the water for National Maritime Museum Festival (The Sydney Morning Herald, April 14, 2016) https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/matilda-waltzes-above-the-water-for-national-maritime-museum-festival-20160414-go67cz.html