George Chambers was arguably the most important marine painter of the nineteenth century. The present biography seeks to remedy the neglect of Chambers in art appreciation circles and uses quotations and edited extracts from the earlier work by John Watkins, a close friend of the artist, who wrote and published his Life and Career of George Chambers in 1841. Above all, Alan Russett's new work expands, clarifies, fills gaps and provides additional background including the benefits of extensive picture research which serves to illustrate the narrative with a comprehensive selection of Chambers works, including some from private collections. The position of George Chambers in nineteenth century painting is, therefore, comprehensively appraised in relation to other leading marine painters and the result is a visually stimulating presentation which will add substantially to our knowledge of this important and highly talented artist.
