A Steady Drizzle…
(Inspired by Norman Garstin’s painting of Penzance…)
In Mounts Bay drizzle, unaffected by motor fumes but certainly
Smogged by smoking chimneys and railway steam, folks in Penzance
Huddle beneath capes, in doorways and in shops, with their alluring
Amber lighting. And the gleam of street reflections, lit as if paved by gold
Adds a shivering warmth to the image, despite the shadowy Market House, rising gloomily
Beyond, whilst the harnessed horse stands forlorn in its obeisance,
Tarrying beneath a streetlight for its driver, its misery galling,
As the Cornish rain seeps through clothing into every small cranny and fold…
Pete Ray…
8th March 2026…
Such a moody and atmospheric painting of olden times Penzance…
The thoughts of independent source, The Sand Martin...
'The bright gas lighting and atmosphere in the foreground of this painting so indisputably indicate that rain is falling and that the shimmering ground is wet. One sees no rain but just the effect.
Through a haze one can make out a large church and several shops where gas lighting is illuminating from inside the windows. The reflections of this gas lighting and the gas streetlight shining bright golden yellow onto the road and pavement draws the eye into the scene.
The garb of the gentleman crossing the road carrying a small light, folks carrying open umbrellas, peering into shop windows and walking towards a welcoming and lit up open church door along with the horse with a lowered weary head, indicate that despite the rain and darkness life is very much going on in this place.
The painting beautifully brings to life a dull drizzly evening. Whilst all the main features are nebulous and a little blurry they are sufficiently distinct as to be apparent.
The skilled use of shadow and light along with the range of colours and tones make for an exquisite and mesmerising painting...'
