Open edition with printed signature. Paper size 306 x 297 mm. Image size 250 x 250 mm
The majority of my work is created in oils on canvas but this is one of a number of pen and ink images I’ve made over the years. It’s a nice contrast for me moving between the two different media and I was inspired to illustrate Crail Harbour in pen and ink after a recent visit.
The inspiration came easily as Crail is the most picturesque, historic fishing village in the beautiful East neuk of Fife on the east coast of Scotland. The harbour, with its colourful fishing boats and beautiful ‘vertically coursed’ stone walls must be one of the the prettiest harbours on the Scottish coastline. The pier on the west side was rebuilt by Robert Stevenson in 1828 and it includes a unique crane on the south-west corner which is used for lifting wooden planks into slots to seal off the inner harbour.
The name ‘Crail’ is believed to have originated in the 12th century from the Gaelic ‘Cherel’ and later ‘Karel’ meaning ‘fort rocks’. In 1178, during the reign of King William the Lion, Crail was designated a Royal Burgh and Robert the Bruce granted the village permission to hold markets on a Sunday. The parish church was built in mediaeval times but it appears to have been a religious site before then as there is a preserved 8th century cross-slab in the church.
As well as the harbour, the village of Crail has lovely tearooms and eating places, a heritage centre and local shops. It’s well worth a visit!
