CAG.2978 Jamie Murphy, Life Boats, 2012, linocut print on Zerkell paper (limited edition), 38.4 x 37.8 cm. Purchased, 2014. © the artist.

We’re marking Titanic’s anniversary with this WORK OF THE WEEK!

Life Boats (2012) by Jamie Murphy is a nocturnal image of a very recognisable maritime subject. Monochrome, strongly graphic, and taking a dramatic low viewpoint, this linocut print focuses on lifeboats being lowered from the deck of RMS Titanic as it sinks into the icy North Atlantic.

This is one of a sequence of 40 images in the series Albert, Ernest & the Titanic, which tells the story of Titanic’s on-board printers – Abraham ‘Albert’ Mishellany and Ernest Corben – during the ocean liner’s ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912.

Having departed its last port of call, Queenstown (Cobh), on 11 April, Titanic was just days from disaster as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean on this day in 1912. It would sink in the early hours of 15 April with the loss of 1,503 lives.

Did you know? Ink used for the label on our portfolio of these prints was made from coal salvaged from the Titanic wreck site.

Artist and designer Jamie Murphy is a graduate of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). He operates The Salvage Press and works with creatives from many disciplines – including Dorothy Cross, Brian Maguire, Alice Maher, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Donal Teskey, and Colm Tóibín – producing projects which are mainly of Irish interest.

Life Boats (2012) by Jamie Murphy is featured in STATIO BENE: Art and Ireland’s Maritime Haven until 23 May. Explore the exhibition online here: https://crawfordartgallery.ie/statio-bene-art-and-irelands-maritime-haven/

Tune in to The Arts House on Cork's 96fm and C103 Cork every Sunday morning as Conor Tallon chats with assistant curator Michael Waldron about a work from the collection!

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