About Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® is an international fine art dealer and online gallery specialising in British and European paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.
Established in 2005 and led by directors Michael and Victoria, the firm brings over two decades of experience in sourcing, evaluating and placing historically significant works with private collectors, galleries, interior designers and institutions worldwide.
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Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
71–75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom
Registered in England & Wales
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Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Address
71-75 Shelton Street
London
Greater London
United Kingdom
WC2H 9JQ
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Pierhead Painting S.S. Shelley in Heavy Seas — Attributed to Lucas Papaluca (1890–1934)
REF: LA567901
£4,250
€4,972
$5,737
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LoveAntiques Dealersince Mar 2017549 sales by dealerFree Delivery
LoveAntiques Dealersince Mar 2017549 sales by dealerFree Delivery
Description
S.S. Shelley in Heavy Seas — Attributed to Lucas Papaluca (1890–1934)
Antique Marine Painting | Early 20th Century | Neapolitan School | Gouache on Paper
Description
A fine early 20th-century antique marine painting depicting the British steamship S.S. Shelley navigating heavy seas. This atmospheric ship portrait is executed in gouache on paper and attributed to Lucas Papaluca, working within the renowned Neapolitan pier-head tradition.
The composition captures the vessel broadside against powerful waves, combining precision draughtsmanship with a strong sense of movement and atmosphere. The cool tonal palette of blue-green seas and grey sky is contrasted by warm accents on the ship, drawing the eye to the focal point.
Artistic Detail
Medium: Gouache on paper
School: Neapolitan marine painting
Period: Early 20th century
Finely detailed rigging, masts, and deck structures
Layered paint application creating depth in the sea
Subtle tonal work and crisp finish typical of pier-head painters
These works were often commissioned by captains and merchants, making them both decorative and historically relevant.
The Ship — S.S. Shelley (1881)
The vessel depicted is the British merchant steamship S.S. Shelley, built in 1881 by William Gray & Co Ltd.
Specifications:
Approx. 2003 gross tons (1303 net)
Length: just over 200 ft
Beam: 35 ft
Depth: 26.5 ft
Iron-built, Lloyd’s 100A1 classification
A classic auxiliary steamship, combining steam propulsion with full sail rig, typical of the transitional maritime period.
History:
Operated by Glover Bros.
Later owned by Shakespear Shipping Co. Ltd
Sold to Chilean ownership and renamed Presidente Santa Maria (1909)
Condemned in 1912
Frame
Presented in a quality Larson-Juhl frame with white-gold mount and museum glass. Ready to hang.
Dimensions
Image: 35 cm x 58 cm
Framed: 85 cm x 61 cm
Provenance
Halls Fine Art Auction, Shrewsbury (2020)
Private collection
UK antiques trade
Exhibited at the Lord Hill Museum
Why Buy This Piece
Antique marine painting with historical subject
Attributed to a recognised Neapolitan artist
Detailed and accurate ship portrait
Strong decorative impact for home or office
Ideal for collectors of maritime art and nautical antiques
Investment-worthy early 20th-century artwork
A decorative and historically interesting antique ship painting, ideal for collectors of marine art, naval history, and traditional European paintings.
measurements
Height:
61 cm
Width:
85 cm
Depth:
1.3 cm
declaration
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD has clarified that the Pierhead Painting S.S. Shelley in Heavy Seas — Attributed to Lucas Papaluca (1890–1934) (LA567901) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being 1910
condition
Condition
Good overall antique condition
Colours remain strong and clear
Minor age-related marks
Visible water mark lower left (consistent with medium and age)
No major restoration
additional info
Material:
Origin:
Date of Manufacture:
1910
location
This Pierhead Painting S.S. Shelley in Heavy Seas — Attributed to Lucas Papaluca (1890–1934) is located in Greater London, United Kingdom
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