Martin Snape, Gosport's most celebrated artist was born at Spring Garden Cottage on 31st December 1852 and educated at Burney's Naval Academy in Clarence Square.

The son of Alfred C. Snape, himself a painter of considerable merit, Martin was one of five brothers and a sister. They all had artistic ability but Martin and his younger brother William were particularly talented. William died in 1904 aged just 42 years.

To quote a fellow artist and friend of Martin and William Snape, F. C. Davidson, who drew this portrait of Snape in 1928 when he was 75 years old: "Martin Snape's recording of the ever changing scene in and around Portsmouth Harbour from sunrise to sunset, at low and high water, the stench of the mud and vibrating greens, those rusty hulks against a background of yachts and the might of the Navy, has never been so vividly portrayed by any other artist of the time."

Apart from his skill as an artist much of his popularity today rests on the accuracy of his local scenes, many of which are now gone forever.

His field craft and his knowledge of the flora of Hampshire were unexcelled. He was a botanist of distinction, an authority on folklore and a brilliant speaker.

Although he shrank from publicity he took a full part in the life of the community. He was a vice-chairman of the library committee, a governor of the then technical school and a founder member of the Rotary Club of Gosport. Late in life he married the widow of a naval officer. There were no children.

Martin Snape died on the 24th of November 1930 at the age of 77. He is buried in the churchyard at Rowner.

Recognised as one of Gosport's great characters, he made a unique contribution to the cultural life of his home town.

Richard Martin Gallery is just 400 metres away from Martin and William Snapes' birthplace, home and studio. Since the foundation of our gallery nearly a quarter of a century ago, many hundreds of works by the Snape brothers have passed through our hands. Indeed, Richard and Elaine Martin are the proud possessors of a fine personal collection of works by both artists. Our knowledge of the artists is such that Richard regularly gives lectures on their lives and works and is constantly asked to look at and appraise works by the Snapes.

Naturally, we are always looking to buy suitable watercolours and oils. Should you have works for appraisal and/or sale we would be delighted to view them either here at the gallery by appointment or perhaps at your own home. You can of course send us an email image for an initial opinion. Of course all such visits and appraisals are carried out in the strictest confidence.

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