Biography of a Sailor Duck:
Born in 1857 along the river Trent, near Biddulph Moor, Staffordshire, England, Bertrum Mathew Higgins had a dream of a nautical and adventurous life. At 17, he seized the opportunity to join a merchant fleet, where he learned everything a seafarer needed to know. Bertie's love for the water and natural adaptability made him a popular crew member and 'able seaman.' Armed only with determination and enthusiasm, he was about to turn his dreams into reality.
At the age of 19, Bertie joined Her Majesty's Royal Navy, where he served with pride on the HMS Fenton, a frigate assigned to escort duties. Although the vessel never saw action, Bertie found fulfillment serving alongside his comrades on the high seas. It was during this time that he forged a lifelong bond with a water rat named Tommy Tenpole.
Bertie and Tommy embarked on a journey around the world after leaving the Navy at the age of 23. Their travels took them through Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where they met their future wives, Betty and Cecily, respectively. The four of them, all adventurers at heart, remained steadfast friends and traveled together whenever they could. Eventually, the Higgins family settled in Staffordshire, opening a narrowboat rental business along the Cauldon Canal in Froghall. They built a happy life, raising five ducklings who grew up to continue the family business, keeping the Higgins' adventurous spirit alive for generations to come.
Tommy and Cecily have their
own biography - 'Rat Couple.'
Illustrated in the style of a vintage Edwardian or Victorian photograph. This image is part of my 'Anicurio' collection. Each original illustration is carefully hand drawn in pencil. Once finished, I often hand age and treat them with various dye methods, to resemble an old dusty antique photograph. I want this series to suggest something that was rediscovered by you. An inherited artifact from a mysterious benefactor? Or perhaps revealed in a long abandoned attic, lying at the bottom of a chest. Buried beneath old dusty clothes and fading hand written notes.
Available as:
Paper Print Matte finish 7H" X 10W (signed) - $30.00
Paper Print Matte finish. 9" x 13.75" (signed) $49.00
Original: Graphite and charcoal pencil on paper. 9" x 14" (image size) with frame and matte. Total size: 15" x 20" - $1200.00
Watermark will not be printed on image
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All reproduction prints are scanned and printed using gallery standard, professional equipment and materials. Ensuring the highest quality.
Some digital prints may have a slight enhancement from the original illustration, to increase tone and color balance.