The Canals of Harley Crossley

An Artist's View of Boats and Waterways

Harley Crossley was a professional artist for over forty years. Painting in oils using knives, the range of his work included landscapes, ships, cars, traction engines and canals. In the 1960s Harley and his wife spent a month on a narrow boat cruising the canals and this was the beginning of a life-long passion for the waterways of England. During his life he explored much of the canal system by narrow boat and in a camper van, always with his easel and paints, capturing the boats and scenes around him. Harley was a popular exhibitor at the many waterways festivals across the canal network, always exciting interest as he demonstrated his talent by painting on his stand. This book compiles, and pays homage to, some of the best canal art of Harley Crossley.