The life and work of F.T. Steerwood

Deze pagina maakt deel uit van een aantal webpagina's over de aquarellist F.T. Steerwood.
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This page is part of a series of webpage's dedicated to the talented motoring-artist F.T. Steerwood. Back to: F.T. Steerwood - introduction











“The Big Book of Engines” is a children’s book with a collection of twelve coloured plates each of trains (by Millar), ships (by Mason), and vehicles (by Steerwood). The book was published by Blackie & Son, London. The book is not dated, but I suspect it was printed in the 1920s.

Fred Steerwood´s contribution to this book was a series of twelve paintings depicting several forms of motoring transport. In my opinion the coloured plates in this book are simpler, maybe even less inspired than the other work of Steerwood. There’s no real detailing on the paintings, not even brand-names on the motor cars. It doesn’t seem important; the plates show only the stereotype of several forms of transport: buses; fire-engines; the mail van; the saloon and the tourer. Is this because it’s a children’s book?

Furthermore it’s strange that nowhere in the book the names of the artists can be found. Only their signatures on the plates are a giveaway of their identity. And as an aside: there’s very little difference in the manner of painting the trains, ships and automobiles. It could very well be that all plates have been painted by Steerwood.

Compiled by Rutger Booy with help from John Steerwood Sr. and the collection of motoring-art by Tony Clark. If you happen to know more about F.T. Steerwood, or have other examples of his work, please let me know by Dit e-mailadres is beschermd tegen spambots. U heeft Javascript nodig om het te kunnen zien. . I’ll be happy to include it in this webpage.

For more information about F.T. Steerwood click on the links below:

Biography

The Magazines

Covers and Adverts for magazines - watercolours of motorcars

other art work by F.T. Steerwood