Born in Yorkshire in 1949 into a family with nautical connections stretching back to the 17th century, Steven Dews was inspired to draw his first sea-faring vessel at the age of five, after visiting his grandfather who was the Assistant Dockmaster in Hull. This was to be the first of many and Dews has built up an astonishing portfolio of work that has made him Britain?s most respected contemporary marine artist.

His first show in 1976 was a huge success, with orders taken for 17 commissions. His next exhibition at the Pantheon Gallery in San Francisco was a sell-out and led to a major commission from Amoco to complete twelve paintings for their calendar. Demand for his work grew, with further paintings produced for the San Francisco Maritime Museum, the Maritine Services Board of Australia and the New York Yacht Club. Today, he is commissioned five years in advance.

With so few paintings by Steven Dews coming onto the open market, Balatro is delighted to be offering one of his major pieces at their Gallery in Dudley Square. The painting shows the Valsheda and the Endeavour racing in the Antigua Classic Regatta.