Eric Ward was born and bred in St Ives, and is one of its few native professional artists. With direct family lineage to the painting heritage of St Ives, Erics Great grandmother was married to Alfred Wallis, his life and work has always been bound up with his birthplace. His career as fisherman, harbourmaster and lifeboat coxswain assured his celebrity status long before his reputation as an accomplished painter was established. His work is simply art in a pure and straightforward form that can be readily understood and appreciated. Such honesty, combined with a strong natural talent, will always be respected.