Old Canvey
by a local artist
By John Dawkins
I am a local artist. The first picture is my depiction of Canvey Casino in around 1949. The next one below in the gallery is of Chambers Farm which used to stand in Furtherwick Road. Next is of another of Canvey's farms at Small Gains Corner. The last picture is another view of Small Gains.
The Casino 1949
John Dawkins
Latest from John
These paintings are rendered acrylic on canvas, although I sometimes use oils. The size for example, of the Casino painting is 30"x24" and most of my paintings are around this size or a little smaller. I started painting 15 years ago, having picked it up again after many years absence since my days at art college. I initially started with marine subjects, the sea, ships etc and have exhibited work in London, Portsmouth and Bristol. I have more recently diversified into landscape work and seaside subjects. My choice of subject matter is of no surprise having always lived by the sea on Canvey. I was in fact a victim of the 1953 Great Flood, which I can remember although only 3 years old at the time. It is only lately I have been drawn to old Canvey for subject matter. It offers some great subjects, most of which have sadly gone, such as the Casino, where I worked as a youngster on the dodgems and speedway in the late sixties. There were some great and slightly eccentric buildings such as Beach House and Marlborough House, both of which will be future subjects for paintings.
Please click on the pictures to see them full size