The Wheelhouse

A view of the wheelhouse of a warship or naval auxiliary ship, with a man standing on the right dressed in civilian clothing. The man is shown in profile, gripping the wheel with both of his oversized hands. The speaking tube on the left indicates that the command bridge is above. At centre the machinery of the ship encompasses the main view, drawing attention to the ship’s modern mechanics. Also in profile, a second figure is seen through a porthole, at centre. The curved front and compact nature of the wheelhouse dates this work ca. 1930-1940. An inscription in Polish reads “Whilst at sea, he peacefully spent his time on normal duties.”

Michael Lester Leszczynski (1906-1972) was a Polish artist who lived and worked in Poland, England, and Jamaica. As merchant officer prior to and during WWI he often sketched and painted on-board. Works by Lester can be found at the Marine Society headquarters in London, the Dartford Public Library, and the Art Gallery of the Institute of Jamaica.