The Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) Annual Exhibition opened at Mall Galleries in London on 16 September, bringing together a diverse collection of work inspired by the maritime world.

From working ports and commercial shipping to coastal landscapes, sailing and marine wildlife, the exhibition showcases the many ways artists interpret life on and around the water.

The Baltic Exchange was proud to support the exhibition through the Baltic Exchange Award, a prize for outstanding work related to the maritime industry at this year’s exhibition. The award was selected by Baltic Exchange Chairman Guy Hindley and the President of the RSMA.

This year’s award went to John Scott Martin RBA PPRSMA for his oil painting Time for Departure at Sunset – Sheerness, which captures the activity of Kentish port on the Isle of Sheppey.

Commenting on the winning work, Guy Hindley said, “John Scott Martin’s oil wonderfully encapsulates the intense activity at this busy Kentish port on the Isle of Sheppey. Having witnessed the port in operation, tug boats and pilot vessels are constantly on the move and this canvas so vividly portrays a tug heading towards a Danish Reefer Container vessel to assist it out to sea on the evening tide.”

He added: “This area of Kent is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and these warm colours perfectly reflect the sometimes mystical colours experienced at certain times of year, accentuating the contrast to the giant steel grey port side cranes.”

The Baltic’s support for the RSMA exhibition reflects the close relationship between the organisation and the wider maritime community. 

Through the Baltic Exchange Award, the two organisations come together to celebrate a shared connection to the sea and to recognise the enduring importance of maritime activity, both as an industry and as a source of inspiration.