* North Wharf Docklands 2025

Oil on Board
91 x 61 cm

The painting depicts the Steam Tug Wattle and the Alma Doepel at North Wharf, in Docklands, Melbourne, based on a series of photos I took in mid 2025 after news that these two historic ships, which are currently under renovation, as well as Melbourne’s Tall Ship Enterprize(not depicted), would need to move from their berths, to make way for commercial development in that area.

Volunteers have worked for years on restoring or maintaining these vessels, with renovation and maintenance work taking place in the sheds on the wharf. Now, in this late stage of the work they will need to find new berthing facilities, including suitable sheds where the final restoration work can be completed. Full details on these three vessels can be found on their respective websites.