“For Whom the Bell Tolls” is an original piece of artwork now available as a Limited Edition Giclee Print framed 694 x 969mm (unframed 544 x 819mm), created by Ian Mackenzie.
 
This artwork is framed in a traditional 3 inch black wooden surround with a light coloured insert. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity which is signed and verified by the artist.
 
The Story Behind “For Whom the Bell Tolls”

The sound of the bell from the Pierhead Building that rung brought celebration of further wealth to the Welsh nation. Momentous times for the dockland enjoyed by the recipients of such and industry in this Victorian age thrived.
 
However, at times it was a warning of an emergency, a ship caught in the infamous fourteen metre tidal swell, keeling over, losing its cargo and lives on board as it desperately tries to dock in the safety of Tiger Bay. Here, a dockworker who as an ex-sailor, grabs the bell rope and rings for help. The “Big Ben of Wales” summons all hands.
 
His, shows the favoured tattoos of sailors of the 1890’s. “Hold Fast” was an expression of life and death amongst superstitious sailors, representing their strength so that they could hold onto the ropes and rigging and not fall to their demise. 
 
The tattoo of a bird represented freedom, courage, and travel. In particular, the Bluebird brought good luck, sweet seas and bright blue skies, and the nickname Bluebirds was given to Riverside AFC in the 1890’s when they change their colours to blue and white and became Cardiff City FC. 
 
The blue grainy tattoo ink was synonymous with sailors whose bodies were covered with tattoos which faded with age and the experience of life at sea and the devilment of the dockland of Tiger Bay.
 
Ian Mackenzie