Keels Collection
Two Newcastle Keels, penciled with delicate precision on paper, evoke the simple beauty and functional design of these traditional North Sea sailboats
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Two Newcastle Keels, penciled with delicate precision on paper, evoke the simple beauty and functional design of these traditional North Sea sailboats. In contrast, the engraving "The 'Keels' of the Northmen" depicts the larger, fearsome Viking longships, also keeled vessels, that once dominated the North Sea. The intriguing title may refer to the keel as the backbone of these seafaring craft. Keelmen Heaving in Coals by Moonlight, an 1835 oil painting, captures the industrious scene of coal heavers laboring along the River Tyne in England, their keeled boats laden with coal, reflecting the economic importance of these vessels in the region. Navigate to Wiltshire SN6 6 on the map and you'll find no keels, but delve into art history and you'll discover Reinier Nooms' 17th-century paintings of two-keeled sailboats, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of these vessels. Sadly, not all keeled vessels had such peaceful destinies. The torpedoed ship from WWI and the Royal George, which sank in 1782, serve as grim reminders of the dangers and unpredictability of the sea. Through art, history, and geography, the keel, as the backbone of these seafaring craft, connects us to the past and the vast expanse of the sea.