The Nation's Lifeline
Artist
James Thomson
(Australian - British, born 1937)
Date1991
Object number00033939
NamePainting
MediumAcrylic on board, framed
DimensionsOverall: 955 x 1260 x 22 mm
Copyright© James Thomson
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from James Thomson
DescriptionA painting by James Thomson titled 'The Nation's Lifeline' the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand ship UNION ENDEAVOUR discharging containers at Balmain in 1991.HistoryJames Thomson painted 'The Nation's Lifeline' in three weeks in 1991 because he wanted to depict contemporary trade and commerce on the waterfront. The painting became his entry for the ACT A Maritime Art Awards. The painting was hung in the ACT A Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.
James Thomson describes himself as a modern realist painter and the object of his art is 'narrative - social and political comment and creating a visual record of our times'.
Significance'The Nation's Lifeline' depicts modern Australian waterfront activity at Balmain, a location long associated with the maritime industry of Sydney.
