From Southampton Docks in 1917 to the Boat Show in 2026: the city’s waterfront through artists’ eyes
Southampton’s docks, ships and waterfront have been recorded by artists for more than a century. This week, painters will once again be working live in the city as the Southampton International Boat Show returns.
From timber being loaded at Southampton Docks during the First World War to modern cruise ships, marinas and yachts, Southampton’s relationship with the water has provided artists with subject matter for generations.
One of the clearest examples dates back to 1917. British artist C. R. W. Nevinson’s Loading Timber at Southampton Docks, an oil painting depicting work at the docks, is held by Southampton City Art Gallery.
It is part of a much wider visual record of the city’s maritime history. Southampton City Council’s maritime and local history collection was established in 1912 and includes paintings, drawings, prints and photographs covering shipping, the docks and local scenes.
More than a century later, Southampton’s waterfront is still being painted.
Southampton-based marine artist Gregory Smith’s existing work includes Town Quay, Ocean Village, Southampton Grain Terminal, cruise ships in the city and yachts departing Southampton. His portfolio ranges from contemporary views of the working waterfront to historically researched maritime subjects.
Smith will be among five artists appearing with Bristle at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, where visitors will be able to watch artists working live between 18 and 20 September.
The live painting forms part of Bristle’s role as Official Art Partner of the 2026 show. Bristle, formerly Painters Online, will be based in New Wave Hall at Stand H28.
Artists appearing across the three days include Paula Mitchell, Gregory Smith, Tim O’Brien, Greg Ramsden and Roger Dellar.
Emma-Kate Wyrley-Birch, Strategic Membership Growth Manager at Bristle, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be named the Official Art Partner of the Southampton International Boat Show 2026, particularly as we celebrate the launch of our new brand, Bristle, formerly Painters Online.
“As the No.1 membership for artists and creatives, we want to celebrate and showcase the incredible community of artists we have here at Bristle. The Boat Show is a fantastic opportunity to bring art into an environment where creativity, craftsmanship and a love of the water naturally come together.
“We can't wait to welcome visitors to our stand, meet our members and wider creative community, and watch our brilliant artists bring the show to life through live painting.”
The connection continues in the November issue of Leisure Painter & The Artist, which takes On the Wateras its theme. The issue looks at painting water, including depth, light and reflections, and features work from several of the artists appearing with Bristle at Southampton.
Free copies will be available from Bristle’s stand during its three days at the show.
The Southampton International Boat Show itself runs from 18 to 27 September at Mayflower Park, with the organisers currently listing more than 550 confirmed brands and promoting more than 500 watercraft across the event.
Bristle will be at New Wave Hall, Stand H28 from 18-20 September.