Collections
Oil on canvas, 82 x 122cm
The requisitioned transatlantic liner Mauretania is shown here covered in dazzle paint; an attempt by the Royal Navy to confuse enemy raiders, used during the First World War.
She is portrayed in starboard profile from the stern of an accompanying destroyer. The dazzle paint is obviously ageing and rust marks are showing through at the tops of her funnels and on her hull. She carries guns at her stern and on her bow deck.
Mauretania was built in 1907 for Cunard. With her sister Lusitania she offered both speed and comfort on the Liverpool - New York service. Her war service began in 1915 when she took troops to the Dardanelles. Later that year she was converted for use as a hospital ship but was laid up at Greenock and dazzle painted. She resumed her normal duties in 1919 and remained in service until 1935.