Saltburn by the Sea captures the rugged character of the North Yorkshire coastline, where the wildness of the landscape meets the enduring presence of one of Saltburn’s most distinctive historic features—the Victorian funicular tram.

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Inspired by the Impressionist traditions of Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and Berthe Morisot, Lees uses vibrant colour and thick impasto brushwork to convey the movement and atmosphere of the coastal setting. The sea, clouds and tall grasses of the steep embankment are painted with rapid, sweeping strokes, creating a sense of restless movement across the composition.

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At the heart of this movement sits the striking red funicular carriage, positioned towards the far right of the canvas. Its vivid colour provides a strong focal point against the softer, more natural tones of the surrounding landscape. Echoing this colour in the tram sheds in the foreground creates a visual connection between the two structures and leads the eye through the painting.

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The sweeping direction of the brushwork appears to draw the elements of the landscape towards the tram, as though the sea, wind and grasses are all moving in its direction. This gives the painting a dynamic quality, transforming what could be a traditional coastal scene into an impression of movement, energy and place.

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The historic carriage is one of only a small number of surviving funicular trams of its type in the world, and remains an important part of Saltburn’s character, attracting visitors who come to experience this remarkable piece of history in motion. Through vibrant colour and expressive mark-making, Saltburn by the Sea celebrates both the untamed beauty of the Yorkshire coast and the enduring presence of a much-loved piece of its heritage.

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Oil on board 81.4 x 59.4 cm 

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Acquired

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