![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.bassettbranches.org\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ArthurWakefieldBassett1.jpg\")
<\/a>\u201cThe Dawn\u201d by Arthur Wakefield Bassett<\/p>\nThe Daily News, Perth, Western Australian, Wednesday, 27 Nov 1929
\nOne Man Exhibition
\nWork of Arthur Bassett<\/p>\n
Most Perth lovers of art are familiar with the work of Arthur Bassett, who is giving a one-man exhibition in Musgrove\u2019s Lyric Hall, Murray-street. The show will be open for a fortnight, and although yesterday was the first day several of the pictures already show the little red seal of purchase.<\/p>\n
There is a strong historical flavor in the exhibition. The main picture is \u201cThe Wreck of the Batavia.\u201d The Batavia became separated from the rest of the convoy, and struck on the Abrolhos, which is just of Geraldton. The weather was fair and there was a moon. The skipper, who was ill in the cabin below, rushed to the bridge and ordered the cannon, etc., to be cast overboard. While dropping the cannon and anchor, a sudden terrific squall arose. The main mast was cut away, but could not be got clear of the Bessel. Finally the skipper (Pelsart) sailed a boat load of men to Batavia, for which the convoy was bound, but on Pelsart\u2019s return he found that the men had mutinied, and that many had been killed. There are relics of this wreck in the Perth Museum. The artist has chosen the moment just after the storm has passed. The moon shows brightly through scuddings clouds, and the vessel is seen, with sails torn in ribbons, in the midst of an angry sea.<\/p>\n
Another picture of historic interest is that of the first landing of Dampier. This is called \u201cDampier comes ashore.\u201d It occurred during Dampier\u2019s pirate days, when he was searching for a secluded spot in which to clean his ship, the Cygnet. He put into King Sound, and chose the identical spot which was later selected by the Western Australian Shipping Company for a similar purpose. They used to take the ships in the Singapore trade to this spot for cleaning and repair. The ship is seen lying on its side, and Dampier, jaunty and apparently care free, is strolling along the beach.<\/p>\n
In \u201cThe Dawn\u201d and old Dutch navigator, Vlaming, is seen landing. He was the first white man to explore the Swan River, and in view of later developments, the artist has dimly suggested the city skyline in a hazy background. There are several pictures of New Zealand, the sketches for which were made during a long trio taken by Mr. and Mrs. Bassett some years ago.<\/p>\n
Local pictures of interest include part of the first fleet of the Claremont Yacht Club, of which for many years Mr. Bassett was a member. The picture shows three boats under shady trees. They are the \u201cBrunnhilde,\u201d the \u201cOzone,\u201d which belonged to Mr. \u201cDib\u201d Knight, and later was wrecked at Mandurah, and a boat that later was called the \u201cKotaka\u201d and belonged to Mr. Cecil Fraser.<\/p>\n
A fantasy \u201cWhen Drake went rolling by\u201d is a ship in full sail amid turbulent waters, reminding Australians of his adventurous voyages.<\/p>\n
Two sepia pictures are the originals of those published in the \u201cWestern Australian Gift Book,\u201d brought into being during the War for the benefit of soldiers.<\/p>\n
\u201cA Grey Day Gleam\u201d and a \u201cRain Study\u201d are charming little pictures seen from the verandah of the artist\u2019s home in the hills. Visitors to this show will find much to interest them, and those who know the artist only through his work in the delicate pictures for the various Ceremonial Addresses, for which he is always in demand will see another side of his art in this display.<\/p>\n
Arthur Wakefield was also featured in a previous newsletter.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.bassettbranches.org\/newsletters\/2009\/06\/200906.shtml<\/a><\/p>\n Arthur Wakefield Bassett descends from #123B William Bassett of Plymouth, England as follows: William Bassett and wife Grace March William John Bassett (b. 1831) and wife Lucy Burgess Arthur Wakefield Bassett (1869) \u201cThe Dawn\u201d by Arthur Wakefield Bassett The Daily … Continue reading <\/a>\u201cDampier Comes ashore\u201d by Arthur Wakefield Bassett<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"