After the Storm

The young Samuel Palmer was much influenced by the visionary artist and poet William Blake. Palmer later moved to Shoreham in west Kent to work alongside other artists inspired by Blake. This is where he produced his most enduring works. In later life Palmer was inspired by the scenery of Devon, and between 1834 and 1860 he made regular visits to the county. After the Storm is an imaginary shipwreck scene based on the coastline around the Valley of the Rocks near Lynmouth, which was popular with Victorian tourists and artists.

Palmer’s choice of subject may have been influenced by the Royal Charter Storm of October 1859 when 133 ships and 800 lives were lost along the west coast of Britain. North Devon and Cornwall suffered worst with widespread structural damage and loss of life.

Purchased with assistance from the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund, the Friends of RAMM, the Reynolds Chard bequest and the Kent Kingdon bequest.