This book is the first-ever publication of works by artist
Ted Drover, accompanied by text providing contextual background for the aspect
of the history of Newfoundland and
Labrador that each drawing represents. Ted Drover’s personal papers indicate
that it had been his intention to publish a book “of seagoing crafts engaged in
the fishery and general commerce of the island of Newfoundland and Labrador
from about 1850 to 1950 . . . starting with wind-powered ships and developing
through sailing ships with auxiliary power to ships powered with steam and
internal combustion.”
The drawings which have been included in this collection are
authentic depictions of vessels which plied the waters around this island and beyond,
connection place to place, and people to each other and to the larger world.
They represent a lifestyle which has all but disappeared.
More than thirty of Ted Drover’s works were donated to the
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador by the artist and are held at The Rooms.
Although they are rarely on display for public viewing, they are accessible to
researches for study.
With a foreword by Gerald Squires
