Claude Muncaster R.W.S. 1903-1974. British School 20th.Century. Pencil and watercolour drawing. Illustration study for "The Bird Of Dawning" by John Masefield. Signed lower right and inscribed verso. 1933. 30.5 by 23.5 cms.
The "Bird Of Dawning" by John Masefield is a classic sea adventure that tells the story of the tea clipper "Blackgauntlet" and her homeward race from China to London. Disaster strikes when the ship is struck at night by a passing steamer. Only half the crew escape to endure the battle for survival against the sea and each other. Muncaster illustrated the first edition published in 1933 for which the present drawing is a preparatory work.