Print of Carlisle Canal Basin by William Brown

This colourful oil painting is by local artist William Brown in around 1823.  It shows a view across Carlisle Canal Basin with seven rigged boats and several rowing boats moored at its far side. In the foreground a solitary figure stands upon a wooden jetty, a long pole in his hands. The city of Carlisle lies in the distance, hills rising beyond.  William Brown was an active member of the Carlisle Academy between 1823 and 1828, where he showed seven works, including this one.  A report in the Carlisle Citizen referred to the work thus; 'Our clever townsman, Mr Brown, has just finished his painting of the Carlisle Canal Basin. It adds much to his former well-earned fame, and does, we think, credit to our city...'