This would be my first oil painting in over 30 years and I have chosen a subject that has been on my mind for as long.
The Agnes. C was commissioned by my grandfather, Frank Castleton in the 1950's and built by local boat builders, Worfolk Bros. The 'Aggie', named after my grandmother, was originally built with the wheelhouse forward of the main mast. In the mid 60's an 'echo sounder was fitted (quite high tec for a Lynn smack) although I don't remember it ever being better that the instinct of experienced fishermen when looking for shrimp.
I discovered the photograph in my aunt Elaine's photo album and whilst I'm not sure of the identity of the figure closest to the camera I am sure that the other is my late father 'Tut' Castleton.
I have never seen an oil painting of a Lynn smack at work on the cockle beds of the Wash (that's not to say there aren't any) and with so many of today's cockle boats 'dredging' this scene may soon become a historical reference, although I did hear a while back that some old hands were reverting back to the old ways.
I'm pretty sure the location was 'thief' sand looking to the west towards the Cambs/Lincs coast.
The painting measures 56x38cm oil on canvas board.
