Heroic Marine Oil Painting HMS Sheffield Falklands War Under Captain Salt
“Moments Before the Exocet Storm” – Heroic Marine Oil Painting of HMS Sheffield | A.E. Phillips Original, Falklands War
A Stirring Tribute to Naval Bravery – Own a Powerful Fragment of Modern British History
Step into a pivotal moment in 20th-century military history with this dramatic and emotionally charged marine oil painting titled “Moments Before the Exocet Storm – HMS Sheffield”. This powerful work, by esteemed maritime artist A.E. Phillips of Middlesex, captures the legendary HMS Sheffield (D80) under Captain James Salt, braving the rolling South Atlantic seas during the tense and tragic events of the Falklands War in 1982. Title "Sheffield".
Just moments later, the ship would be struck by an Argentine Exocet missile, marking the first Royal Navy vessel lost in combat since World War II. This evocative artwork is a visual time capsule—a rare and haunting representation of a ship and crew caught in history’s crosshairs.
🎨 A Masterpiece of Maritime Art
Phillips’ artistic talent brings an urgent realism to the scene—the raging waves, the darkening skies, and the stoic silhouette of the destroyer suggest a tense calm before chaos. The painting invites not just admiration, but contemplation of service, sacrifice, and fate.
- Circa late 20th century
- Medium oil on board
🧾 Provenance
This exceptional painting comes with impeccable and rare provenance:
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Direct from the artist – A.E. Phillips, known for his detailed and historically accurate depictions of British naval scenes.
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Formerly held in a distinguished private collection in Middlesex, Shire, known for its curated maritime and military artworks.
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Offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, a trusted name in historic and fine collectible artworks in the UK.
📏 Dimensions (Including Frame):
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Height: 48.5 cm
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Width: 84 cm
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Depth: 4 cm
A commanding presence in any collector’s setting.
🔍 Condition Report
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Painting: In fine used condition. The surface is overall in good condition with areas of craquelure and foxing stains, commensurate with age and medium.
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Frame: Original vintage frame with signs of age-related wear, including scuffs, chips, losses, and minor repairs. Some professional touch-ups to the upper edges. Structurally stable and ready for display.
⚓ Why This Painting Belongs in Your Collection
This is more than a painting—this is a visual testament to courage, a rare firsthand representation of a ship and its crew standing on the brink of wartime tragedy. The HMS Sheffield’s story is etched into the legacy of the Falklands conflict, and this painting preserves that story with haunting beauty.
A collector’s dream and a conversation piece of depth, emotion, and historical significance—ideal for those passionate about:
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Military and naval history
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Falklands War memorabilia
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Original maritime fine art
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Royal Navy and British heritage
🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
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📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece
🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.