Marine Oil Painting Arctic Loss: Kingston Peridot (H591) — Hull Northern Fishing Co. Ltd
⚓ Arctic Loss: Kingston Peridot (H591) — Hull Northern Fishing Co. Ltd (Hellyer Bros Ltd), January 1968
Subject & Medium 🎨
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated 1999
By Larry Malkin (b. 1948)
A powerful full-length marine memorial painting capturing the final moments of the Hull distant-water trawler Kingston Peridot (H591) as she succumbs to a ferocious Arctic storm in January 1968. Malkin presents the vessel at the brink of catastrophe — overwhelmed by ice accretion, wind, and heavy sea — in a work that combines documentary seriousness with emotional gravity.
Composition & Technique 🌊
The structure of the painting is driven by acute diagonal force. The trawler heels dramatically to port, her mast and rigging slicing through the composition while steep Arctic seas surge upward in dense, muscular formations. Every compositional line reinforces imbalance and imminent loss.
The palette is deliberately restrained and tonally cold: slate black, iron grey, indigo, and steel-green dominate the sea and sky. These darker passages are animated with heavily applied impasto whites that describe wind-torn spray, breaking crests, and airborne spindrift. Subtle oxidised reds and ochres along the hull introduce authentic industrial detail.
The sky is layered and oppressive, built up with storm-weighted pigment. Light struggles through dense cloud mass, producing a diffused, glacial illumination that heightens the atmosphere of isolation.
Palette-knife work gives the sea physical mass, creating a sculptural surface that catches and refracts light. Directional brushwork follows the movement of the swell, reinforcing momentum and instability. The result is industrial maritime realism charged with tension and solemnity.
The Vessel: Kingston Peridot (H591) 🚢
Built in 1948 by Cook, Welton & Gemmell Ltd., Beverley (Hull), Kingston Peridot was a steel-hulled side trawler constructed specifically for Arctic distant-water fishing.
Principal Specifications:
• Length: approx. 55.4 metres
• Beam: 9.4 metres
• Depth: 4.6 metres
• 658 gross registered tons
• Diesel-powered for extended northern voyages
Originally operated by Kingston Steam Trawling Co. Ltd (1948–1966), she later transferred to Hull Northern Fishing Co. Ltd (Hellyer Bros Ltd) in 1966.
On 26 January 1968, she transmitted that heavy ice accumulation on her superstructure was compromising stability. No further communication followed. She is believed to have foundered on or about 27 January 1968 with the loss of all 20 crew.
The only survivor was the ship’s cook, William Goode, who had been put ashore in Reykjavík earlier due to injury.
Historical Context & Significance 🕯️
The loss of Kingston Peridot occurred between the sinkings of St Romanus and Ross Cleveland, forming part of what became known as the Triple Trawler Tragedy. In total, 58 Hull fishermen lost their lives.
Public outrage — led by Lillian Bilocca and the “Headscarf Revolutionaries” — compelled sweeping reform of safety standards within Britain’s distant-water fishing industry.
This painting therefore operates not merely as marine art, but as a visual act of remembrance tied to a defining episode in British industrial and social history.
The Artist 🎓
Larry Malkin (b. 1948), based in East Yorkshire, is recognised for disciplined portrayals of twentieth-century steel fishing fleets and North Sea working vessels.
His work is characterised by:
• Structural and technical vessel accuracy
• Strong industrial authenticity
• Expressive, textural paint handling
• Focus on modern working fleets rather than romanticised sail
Malkin’s paintings reside in private collections across the UK and internationally. This signed 1999 example reflects his mature handling of atmosphere, drama, and maritime structure.
Signature ✍️
Signed and dated 1999; further inscribed verso.
Framing 🖼️
Presented in a wooden frame with gilt inner slip.
Understated, complementary, and ready to hang.
Dimensions 📏
Canvas:
75 cm × 39.5 cm
Framed:
82 cm (W) × 46.5 cm (H) × 2 cm (D)
Provenance 📜
Private Collection, Thomas Cawood, Art Dealer, Essex
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why This Painting Stands Out 💚
✔ Historically important subject linked to the Triple Trawler Tragedy
✔ Strong emotional presence and narrative force
✔ Rich impasto surface with dynamic light interaction
✔ Authentic industrial maritime focus
✔ East Yorkshire heritage connection
✔ Signed and dated mature work (1999)
✔ Clear, documented provenance
✔ A meaningful national historical conversation piece
✔ Professionally presented and ready to display
This is a work of presence and substance — visually commanding, historically anchored, and deeply resonant.
Condition Report 🔎
Good overall presentation condition.
Canvas stable and properly tensioned.
No visible tears or repairs.
Surface texture consistent with artist’s technique.
Colours strong and well preserved.
Some foxing present.
Frame in good order with minor wear and small losses.
