Henk Ykelenstam
New London
New London
Title: New London Harbour, P.E.I. (1970)
Artist: Henk Ykelenstam
Size: 13 1/2” x 10 3/4” (34.3 x 27.3 cm)
Description: Graphite sketch on paper. Titles bottom left. Initialed and dated (August 9, 1970) bottom right.
The New London light is located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island, overlooking the entrance to New London Bay. The lighthouse is valued for its architectural style; its association with the history of the area; and its contribution to the scenic vista of the area. Built in 1876 by the federal Department of Marine and Fisheries, it was originally the only lighthouse in the area designed to support the fledgling fishing industry. The tapered wooden construction of the lighthouse is typical of many built in the province in the 1870s. This example is unique in that it still has an attached former keeper's dwelling. The famous ship, the Marco Polo, was wrecked on sand bars in July 1883, only five miles east of the lighthouse. The three masted clipper ship had been built in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1851 and went on to become one of the fastest ships in the world. The wreck site is a National Historic Site. The lighthouse is also notable for having one of the few female keepers in Atlantic Canada. Maisie Adams served from 1943 to 1955.
Source: Canada’s Historic Places
Henk Ykelenstam (1929-1992) was an accomplished artist and musician. His art can be described as super realism. It was exhibited in galleries in Halifax and Charlottetown, and also at the Toronto International Art Fair. As a musician, he was educated at the Utrecht Conservatory of Music. He was a member of the Black Watch Band, the Halifax Symphony Orchestra, the Charlottetown Festival Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Orchestra. He performed many times on C.B.C. Radio and Television. He also taught music lessons (flute). He died in Charlottetown.