A fine early watercolour of Minehead Harbour, painted around 1800, has been donated to the Museum.
One of the earliest known paintings of Minehead and certainly one of the most detailed, this work shows the defences built to protect the harbour during the Napoleonic War, which were removed by 1820.
The artwork belonged to John Gilman, noted maritime historian and an advisor to the Minehead Museum project in its early years. John’s research and the importance of the painting were outlined by his wife, Annie Gilman, who was donating the picture, allowing this important historic item to “come home”.
The presentation ceremony held at the Beach Hotel on Monday 8 July was attended by representatives of Minehead Town Council, Somerset Council, YMCA and the Conservation Society along with friends of the Museum, many of whom knew John Gilman.
Introduced by Museum chair Julian Luke, Annie provided an entertaining and informative talk, with a vote of thanks by Sue Lloyd who along with John Gilman had written the book From Curragh to Ketch. The donated painting features as the cover of the book. After the talk and buffet there was the opportunity to view the painting and to tour the museum.
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