signed, titled & editioned; also signed in the block
Note: On page 100 of his unpublished manuscript “Wet Paint” Phillip describes the scene:
“Some of the coastal steamers tie up at the end of this crazy wharf, and discharge consignments of groceries, and other articles of commerce, for the genial Chinese merchant Jim King, whose store stands at the end of it. The tide races along Johnston Strait, between the shore and Vancouver Island, whose snow capped peaks may be seen in the distance. An Indian dugout canoe is passing – admire its graceful lines. Gasoline driven fishing boats – trollers and seiners, tramp steamers and launches pass as frequently, and the big liners that ply between the great southern ports of Alaska pass at regular intervals. It has become a busy seaway. The composition does not present any feature of outstanding interest. The canoe was introduced for balance, and to help lead the eye to the end of the wharf, which is the focal point. The distant island is connected with the wharf on the picture plane by intrusive lines and parts, and the vertical direction of the piles into the horizontal by virtue of their spreading reflections.”
The same year Phillips produced a watercolour and pencil sketch of the same scene.
Illustrated p. 107 “The Tranquility and the Turbulence” (Boulet). (MBL108)
