“My current series of paintings of Felixstowe Pier, itself in a state of dissolution, convey something of my feelings about the inevitability of change and conflict in nature, and in man and his works. To this change and conflict our puny human powers offer at best a temporary respite and calm, and to nature I must surely sooner or later surrender and be enfolded.” Edwin Barritt. 2004.

Edwin had an enhanced sense of his mortality and in the noughties found himself drawn towards considering the decay of human works, eventual victory of nature and the recycling of materials.

The battle between nature and the Pier at Felixstowe had been going nature’s way for some time.

Pier I has a keen focus on perspective with a classic Renaissance – style ‘vanishing point,’ drawing the viewer into the uniform construction of the Pier and maybe the eventual victory of the ocean.

The small break water in the foreground hints at his later focus on the waves crashing against the pillars.