William Minshall Birchall (1884-1941) - The White Star Line Doric

The SS Doric was a British ocean liner that was operated by the White Star Line. It was put into service in 1923 and served Canadian routes until 1932. This watercolour is from 1931, therefore it depicts this period. The ship was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast and was the company's second and last ship to be purely powered by turbines. It had a capacity of over 2,000 passengers and when the White Star Line abandoned the Canadian routes the SS Doric became a cruise ship.
 
Birchall was born in America before his parents emigrated to England at young age. He is known for his highly realistic seascapes of merchant and naval shipping. This watercolour is an excellent example of his work and comes with extensive provenance.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, inscribed and signed l.l. '"Doric" White Star Liner, WM Birchall 1931', 36 x 51.5cm, framed (59.5 x 77cm).
 
Provenance: Sotheby's Marine Pictures and Nautical Works of Art Sale 30th May 1996, lot 405; Christie's Maritime Sale New York 8th March 2000, lot 98, sold for $2,530 (labels verso from sale).
 
Condition report: generally in good condition. There is some time staining from age (please see photos). The frame shows some wear (note the watercolour is slightly loose on the mount).