The Cannery, Newport Beach, California
Print on paper, likely a lithograph or high-quality offset reproduction • Attributed to Alan Wolton (as per signature script); prominent in California coastal and architectural coastal scenes
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Regionalist Illustration with architectural focus
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink with watercolor wash; technical drawing style with fine-line hatching and layered transparent color
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1980s), based on the architectural style and vessel types depicted
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 18 x 24 inches for the sight area; landscape format under glass with double matting
Subject Description
Detailed view of 'The Cannery' in Newport Beach, featuring industrial-style buildings, a waterfront dock, and several docked pleasure and fishing vessels including a larger motor yacht. The composition emphasizes the texture of the waterfront and the reflective quality of the water.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print appears stable within the frame, though there is potential for light-induced fading in the watercolor tones and acidic transfer from older matting.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (Value is primarily decorative and local interest)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a local gallery or gift shop in Southern California; typically part of private residential collections in the Newport Beach or Orange County area.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the late 20th-century tradition of coastal California illustration, capturing the transition of Newport Beach's industrial waterfront into a commercial and leisure destination.
Notable Features
Hand-penciled title and signature along the bottom margin; depicts the iconic historic Cannery building, a landmark of Newport Harbor.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper (toning) consistent with age; possible minor foxing; acidic mat burn visible at the edges of the print window.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommended re-framing with acid-free (archival) matting and UV-protective glazing to prevent further discoloration and preserve the fine pen work.