It is signed and dated 1899 and is quite simply the best Duncan Fraser McLea we have ever seen. Such is the quality, it was purchased at the Dean Gallery, Dean Street, Newcastle, at the Summer Exhibition 0f 1994. The Dean Gallery label is attached verso.
Born Scotland but settled in South Shields after a period at sea. McLea is an extremely well-known Northumbrian artist who was best known for his coastal scenes. He exhibited widely and is well documented in various reference books including 'The Artists of Northumbria' by Marshall Hall.