Untitled (yacht RANGER)

Artist Dennis Adams (1914-2001)

Date1939

Object number00015472

NamePainting

MediumOil, board

DimensionsOverall: 497 x 382 mm, 0.8 kg
Display Dimensions: 432 x 315 mm, 3 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis lively oil view of the yacht RANGER on Sydney Harbour was painted by artist Dennis Adams in 1939. The yacht is shown sailing with its mainsail, jib and spinnaker rigged. The number `A1' is inscribed on the mainsail, a reference to the vessel being "Tops", hence "A1" by its owner Cliff Gale. It became the yacht's racing number with the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. HistoryThe yacht RANGER was designed by Cliff Gale and built by Cam Fisher at La Perouse. It heralded a class of Ranger craft when other sailing enthusiasts had near sister-ships built by Fisher and other builders. RANGER represents a quintessential Sydney Harbour racing and cruising boat, simple to sail and comfortable for weekend cruising. The artist Dennis Adams Adams was a sailor, Cape Horner and offcial war artist whose experiences at sea inspired his marine views. Adams was born in Sydney in 1914 and studied at the Royal Art Society, Sydney and Royal Academy Schools, London after sailing to the UK on the Herzogin Cecilie in 1935 to return to Australia on the Lawhill in 1938/39. During WWII he joined the 18th Battalion and was later seconded to the Department of Home Security for camouflage work on RAAF Stations. In 1942 he was appointed war artist and represented the activities of the Australian and US navies and the Merchant Marines in the South Pacific. He was made Captain in Military History Section AIF in 1943 and served in New Guinea, Middle East, Italy, Egypt, UK, France, Belgium, Newfoundland, Canada, the Bahamas, USA, and Japan. SignificanceRANGER represents a quintessential Sydney Harbour racing and cruising boat, simple to sail and comfortable for weekend cruising.