The British Channel Seen from the Dorsetshire Cliffs

1871

Tate: Presented by Mrs Brett 1902

Object Light exhibition highlights On display

This painting is based on detailed notes, sketches and studies Brett made while sailing around England’s south-west coast in the summer of 1870. The painting’s subject is the effect of light on the open channel; the richly coloured blue water reflects the soft rays emanating from the unseen sun. Brett took great care in his study of the sky and sea in order to reproduce the interplay of light on water as faithfully as possible.

See more of John Brett’s work and learn more about his life in this article.

Collection

Not in ACMI's collection

Previously on display

13 November 2022

ACMI: Gallery 4

Credits

Collection metadata

ACMI Identifier

LN189705

Curatorial section

Light → Light Impressions

Measurements

1060 x 2127 mm

Object Types

Painting/Pictorial

Materials

Oil paint on canvas

Cite this work on Wikipedia

If you would like to cite this item, please use the following template: {{cite web |url=https://acmi.net.au/works/120253--the-british-channel-seen-from-the-dorsetshire-cliffs/ |title=The British Channel Seen from the Dorsetshire Cliffs |author=Australian Centre for the Moving Image |access-date=17 July 2026 |publisher=Australian Centre for the Moving Image}}