History & Homes of the Sunbeam One Design | home
Tuke, H. S. ("Flame" 1924)
The first Sunbeam owners were all established in the sailing community. Others were attracted to the class, including Henry Scott Tuke, A.R.A., who, when he joined the RCYC in 1912, was a most accomplished helmsman and had owned several boats. It seems appropriate to deliver background references to club members, particularly prominent racing boat owners, of which Tuke, like Basil Lubbock, owner of Joy certainly ranks high.
 Tuke at an uncle's house in Torquay, in 1879.
Dr. Daniel Hack Tuke, father, (a prominent Quaker of York)
& Wm. Samuel Tuke, brother.
|
 Penjerrick (Robert Were Fox) (Convalescent Home, by Frith)
Tuke's Quaker parents came to Falmouth in 1860 and became close friends with Robert Were Fox of Penjerrick and Alfred Lloyd Fox at Penmere
|
|
|
Tuke's Quaker parents came to Falmouth in 1860, when he was but two years old, and they became close friends with Robert Were Fox of Penjerrick and Alfred Lloyd Fox at Penmere. Maria Tuke was born in 1861. Tuke's parents removed to London in 1874.
1875: Tuke entered Slade School: “The holidays were usually spent with Tuke's relations (including) Torquay and Exeter (the Mennells).
1879: The first of his works to be accepted by the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, shortly before his 21st birthday.
“That summer the Tukes were lent a house of an uncle in Torquay. (see picture of Dr. Tuke & sons)
View from a postcard (Frith) showing Tuke's studio and house on the site of a disused lead mine works
The mine itself was apparently at Swanpool. Bi-products from processing on this site included wolfram & arsenic.
Tuke's house and studio looking across Swanpool to Pennance, locally referred to as "Stack" (1875 view above)
Jimmy Morrison knew several of Tuke's models; "portraits were painted in the coves below and the studio adjacent to his house.
Two Stacks were built to evacuate fumes from lead processing, via an 8ft deep brick-covered trench, which we used to play in.
I remember it well, dark as hell, with the odd crack of light above you, here and there. The pair of stacks had ladies names,
we referred to them as markers from the seawards. The lower one didn't draw adequately , so they built a second, 120ft high."
 Henry Scott Tuke, A.R.A.
Crop from 'Under Canvas'
by David Wainwright
& Catherine Dinn,
Sarema Press 1989 (p.153)
|
 Berthe Tresidder oil by Tuke (1918)*
[see "Under Canvas"]
|
 Flamingo (1903)H. S. Tuke
Built for Tuke by T. Jackett
|
 Flamingo running
Crop from 'Under Canvas'
by Wainwright & Dinn,
Sarema Press 1989 (p.85)
|
* Published on the jacket (rear) of Henry Scott Tuke 1858-1929 Under Canvas. Sarema Press (1989) ISBN 1 870758 02 01
Authors' acknowledgements include Richard Tresidder [son of S. L. Tresidder, first owner of Berthe?]
In 1887 Tuke was commissioned by the Town Council to paint a presentation portrait of William Genn, celebrating his 50-years as Town Clerk.
Falmouth Sailing Club: "The headquarters of the club were first set up at 41 Church Street. After an unsuccessful attempt to amalgamate with the RCYC in 1897, a floating pavilion was moored off Market Strand, where the Club was based until about 1902, when it moved to the premises of the Devon and Cornwall Bank at 11 Arwenack Street. [[Mead, p.195]
In 1898, Major John Mead, J.P., became Commodore, and H. S. Tuke, A.R.A., Vice-Commodore.
Examples of Tuke's prowness as a racing helmsman include;
FP 6/8/1898: Falmouth Sailing Club
Mr. Tuke's "Red Heart," in the fifth class, had a slight lead over Mr. Tucker's "Barbette."
In the sixth race, Mr. Tuke's "Firefly" had matters to herself.
FP 6/8/1898: Mylor Regatta.
Yachts not exceeding 24 feet and 18 feet linear rating.
Great interest was taken in this event, owing to the first appearance of Mr. Tuckett's new yacht "Sphynx." She was however beaten by Mr. Tuke's "Red Heart" by several minutes.
From 1895-1901 the RCYC ceased to hold its own regatta, and joined in the Port of Falmouth programme, sponsoring one or two races.
In 1895, The race for 1-raters, the boats taking part, all owned by members of the F.S.C., were, Fal (F. Nalder), Pixie (Dr. E.T. Harden) and Red Heart (H. S. Tuke). Red Heart was a new boat that year, designed and built for Tuke by Jackett at Falmouth. [Mead p.77]
Red Heart was a new boat that year, designed and built for Tuke by Jackett at Falmouth. [Mead p.77]The 1895 Competitors in the Half-rater class were Centipede (Captain A. F. Bealey), Firefly (H. S. Tuke) and Viper (J. Harley Mead).
Firefly (H. S. Tuke) and Viper (J. Harley Mead). Centipede was designed for Bealey and built by Jackett three years previously [thus, 1892], but Firefly was a new boat designed and built by Jackett.
[Mead p.77-78]
Alfred De Pass came to Falmouth on holiday with his family in 1895. He built Cliffe House as a holiday home in 1897. Tuke painted a portrait of Daniel, his eldest son, aged four in 1896. De Pass bought a Dartmouth steam launch, and later commissioned Thomas Jackett to build an 18-foot racing yacht named Myrtle (1901) after his small daughter. Tuke was very impressed with Myrtle, racing her several times, which was considered a serious rival to his own 18-footer, Marion.
After 18-months, at the end of the 1903 season, De Pass became disillusioned with racing; “Won several races with the Myrtle this year but disgusted with racing as there was too much feeling, and people are always ready to suspect one of cheating, or do it themselves. Resolved not to race next year.” [Wainright & Dinn, (p.71)]
1903 season, De Pass became disillusioned with racing; “Won several races with the Myrtle this year but disgusted with racing as there was too much feeling, and people are always ready to suspect one of cheating, or do it themselves. Resolved not to race next year.” [Wainright & Dinn, (p.71)]In the summer of 1903 Tuke added to his collection of racing boats (Red Heart (1895) and Firefly( ) with a new yacht, Flamingo, again built at Jackett's boatyard. One of Flamingo's first voyages was to Fowey with Johnny Jackett & Alfred de Pass, [1861-1952] when they `carried the topsail for the first time.” [Wainright & Dinn, (p.71) Qf. Henry Scott Tuke's Diary, 30 June, 1903]
FP 15/9/1905: Falmouth Sailing Club. System of Handicaps.
Rear Commodore H. S. Tuke, A.R.A., thought that Handicapping was most important and was the only thing that kept Falmouth Sailing Club going. [stating] "They had to do the best they could with the boats at their disposal."Ref to: Cornish Girl, 28ft, Henry Scott Tuke. Lost in the blizzard of 1891. (see Yachting & Boating Monthly No.36, Vol VI, April 1909)
"Using his boats primarily as an accessory to his art, .... some 24 years have passed since his early love, the 'Ripple' saw light at Newlyn.
On moving to Falmouth, he took on a more independent command, and his little (12ft) lug & mizen punt was to be seen dancing about, from dawn till dusk, from Feock to Nare Head.
... he also owned the 'Cornish Girl', one of the local quay-punt type, a powerful 28ft boat, in which much cruising and painting were done.
She was reduced to matchwood in the great blizzard of 1891.
He still owns the 'Red Heart' - a one-rater built for him in 1895. ... most of his racing since 1903 has been in the 'Flamingo' [1904] a smart little 6-tonner built for him by Jackett of Falmouth, to whom he is indebted for most of his successful boats.
FP 13/6/1896: Same day delivery of letters from Falmouth to Truro - [by utilising] 10.35 a.m. train from Falmouth, met at Truro 11.10. There being no delivery in Truro until 2.10 p.m., but callers [at Truro station] receive their mail and reply by the 12.50 [train to Falmouth] as they had done in the past years.
For Sale by Mr. E. J. Courtier, who is leaving the town - No. 5, Green Bank.
Falmouth Sailing Club - One Raters, [including] "Red Heart" - Mr. H. S. Tuke. Weather - excessive heat.Harbour Board - last year 959 vessels arrived in the harbour, their tonnage being 677,998
FP 27/2/1897: Falmouth Sailing Club.
In 1896 the opening cruise was held on the 25th of May. The eight fortnightly races showed a most remarkable improvement in the members' seamanship, especially so in the smaller cruising classes and the half-rater in manoeuvring for position at the start. The annual regatta, in which no less than 29 boats took part... All the shares in the floating pavilion had not been taken up. The members numbered 90, an increase of 30 on the previous year. [and 60 boats, 1-raters cost in those days about £100 to £150 new and £50 - £100 second-hand. (Mead, p.196)] ]
Mr. R. S. Tuke was in favour of the Sailing Club taking a room at the RCYC - [part of a proposed union]. Mr. Genn thought the question was whether they would have anything to do with the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.
In 1898, Major John Mead, J.P., became Commodore, and H.S. Tuke, A.R.A., Vice-Commodore of the new Falmouth Sailing Club.... [Mead, p.195]
FP 6/8/1898: Falmouth Sailing Club
Mr. Tuke's Red Heart, in the fifth class, had a slight lead over Mr. Tucker's Barbette.
In the sixth race, Mr. Tuke's Firefly had matters to herself.
FP 6/8/1898: Mylor Regatta.
Yachts not exceeding 24 feet and 18 feet linear rating.
Great interest was taken in this event, owing to the first appearance of Mr. Tuckett's new yacht Sphynx.
She was however beaten by Mr. Tuke's Red Heart by several minutes.
"It may be interesting to record the ladies' races which took place in 1898 and 1899." [Mead, p.196]
"In 1898 the Ladies Race was divided into two classes, one for boats over 24 feet linear rating and the other for boats not exceeding 18 feet linear rating. In the former class, Red Heart (H. S. Tuke) steered by Miss May Bull, was the winner, and Barbet (C. A. Tucker), steered by the owner's wife, was second. In the latter class, the results were Centipede (Capt. A. F. Bealey), steered by Miss Edith Tweedy, 2nd., Firefly (H. S. Tuke), steered by Miss Carey, and 3rd Thelma (N. Robins), steered by the owner's wife, and 4th Stork (H., S. Norton) Steered by Miss Tyack. [Miss Edith Tyacke?]
In 1899 The Ladies Cup was confined to one class; 1st Red Heart steered by Miss May Bull, 2nd Barbet, steered by Miss Edith Tweeedy and 3rd., Firefly, steered by Miss Zoe Bullmore. On the matter of organising races for ladies, The Falmouth Sailing Club was far ahead of the RCYC, who did not organise them until 1913. By 1907 the F.S.C was beginning to lose its members to the RCYC, and shortly before the First World War [1914-18] it became extinct. "There could never be room for two clubs in the Falmouth district in rivalry for the same class of member." [Mead, p.197]
Old Falmouth, by Susan Gay, inscribed by Tuke to his sister, Mrs Maria Sainsbury
The Club Regatta held on 21 August, 1903, was the first appearance of two new boats which would be prominent in local racing for the following thirty years, or more. Flamingo (H. S. Tuke), a 6-ton cutter designed and built by Jackett, and Wahine (Dr. E. T. Harden) a 3-ton sloop designed by the owner and built by Pasco (sic) of St. Mawes. [Mead, p. 84]
Flamingo (1904) Reg. # 2561, Aux. Cutter, [1961] owners Belsize Boat Yard Ltd.8-tons TM, LOA 32ft, LWL 26.3 ft. Breadth 8ft, Draught 5.5 ft. Sailmakers Tait 1938 - Designed & built by T. Jackett, Falmouth 1904. Petrol Motor Amanco, 1934
[ Lloyds Register of Yachts 1961 (p.189) ]
FP 15/9/1905: Falmouth Sailing Club. System of Handicaps.
Rear Commodore H. S. Tuke, A.R.A., thought that Handicapping was most important and was the only thing that kept Falmouth Sailing Club going.
H. S. Tuke, A.R.A., thought that Handicapping was most important and was the only thing that kept Falmouth Sailing Club going. [stating] "They had to do the best they could with the boats at their disposal."
The four Corinthian Races held in 1910, on 20 and 27 July, 10 August and 8 September, resulted in Cynthia winning the first prize of £3, and Kathleen the 2nd. prize of £2. Flamingo (H.S. Tuke) won the first two races, but gave up during the other two. [Mead, History of the RCYC 1871-1949, p.99]
The Club Regatta on 9 August, 1912, was unattended by any visiting yachts, although it had been hoped that the 19-metre class would take part.
In the race for yachts of 7 to 15 tons inclusive Cynthia (Mrs. C. P. Foster) and Kathleen (Col. Faulkner Brown) were 1st and 2nd.
In the class for yachts under 7-tons, Flamingo (H.S. Tuke) was first and Daphne II (Clement Palmer) second.
In the race for craft under 30 feet Sirena (G.S. Long) was first, Sally (S.L. Tresider) second, Colleen (C.V. Downing) third, and C.R. Corfeld's Pixie brining up the rear. [Mead, History of the RCYC 1871-1949, p.105]
New members in 1912 included John Chellew of Penarth, E.G. Martin (Ejnar; L.D. Cunliffe, owner of the Mylne designed 7-metre Mignonette; J. Gilbert Stephens, of Ashfield, owner of Daphne (originally owned by H. S. Norton) and H. S. Tuke (Flamingo) former Vice-Commodore of the Falmouth Sailing Club. When Tuke left the F.S.C. for the Royal Cornwall, followed the next year by C.A. Tucker and nearly all those who were acceptable to the RCYC, the F.S.C. became extinct. In fact, there was no room in Falmouth for two yaching clubs providing for the came class of member. [Mead, History of the RCYC 1871-1949, p.106]
In 1913 The Greenbank Model Yacht Club was formed, affilliated to the Model Yacht Racing Association. It held an annual regatta, usually in July, and "arrangements are being made to hold fortnightly races for the model 12-metre class."
Commodore Major C. S. Goldman, M.P., Vice-Commodore R. R. Appleby, Hon. Sec. E. J. Moseley. [Assistant Secretary of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, 20 Church Street, Falmouth.]
1918: H. S. Tuke, Vice-Chairman of Falmouth Model Yacht Club 
H.S. Tuke lived close to Swanpool, where for years following, model yachts were raced,
Swanpool, where for years following, model yachts were raced,and, Mrs. Henderson Bull of Marlborough House, was a close friend of Tuke
H.S. Tuke, Vice-Chairman of Falmouth School of Art (Lake's Falmouth Almanack 1918)1919
In June, the Corinthian races were revived, the first since the outbreak of war. Most of the old-stagers of pre-war days took part in the revival of racing in 1919, including Kathleen (Col. Faulkner Brown), Sylvia (E.R. Tatchell), Flamingo (H. S. Tuke), Red Heart (J. Harley Mead), previously owned by Tuke, Mignonette (L.D. Cunliffe) and several others. [Mead, History of the RCYC 1871-1949, p.115]
1923 RCYC Regatta: (8 September). The winner of the race for heavy cruisers from 6-18-tons was Firefly (Lt. Col. B. J. Coulson), an old craft which, when owned by J.S. Cockerton, had raced in the club regatta of 1899. [ Mead, History of the RCYC 1871-1949, p.123 ref to p.79].
The event for yachts not exceeding 6-tons was won by Red Heart (J. Harley Mead), and in the race for raters and ex-raters Firefly (John Foster) was the winner and Moth (Miss Moira Foster) second. Firefly was H. S. Tuke's old boat [as was Read Heart] [ Mead, History of the RCYC 1871-1949, p.123 ref to p.78], but Moth was new in 1923, designed by an amateur, C. P. Foster, and built by Jackett.
1924: At the Picture Shows
The Winter Exhibition of the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours, at 5a Pall Mall East, maintains the usual high level. Mr. Henry Tuke's "Salving of the White Star ss Bardic" is noticable for its tone and quality.
(The Yachting World No. 224, December 1924 p.118)
1925: At the Picture Shows
The R.W.S. exhibition is open ultil December 19.
Officially known as the "Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours," and more usually described as the "Old Water Colour Society" or the R.W.S., the Society always provides a good show of conservative merit at 5a Pall Mall East.
"Shipping Group" (36), by Mr. H. S. Tuke, is of the same quality as the artist's previous studies in this class.
(The Yachting World No. 236, December 1925 p.118)
1929
In March 1929, the death of H. S. Tuke, at the age of seventy-one, took place. Although he had only joined the club in 1912, Tuke was one of the most able helmsmen in the locality, as he had been the Vice-Commodore of the old Falmouth Sailing Club for many years prior to joining the Royal Cornwall. Following his death, his sister, Mrs. [Maria] Sainsbury, presented the club with an old cup won by him at the port of Falmouth Regatta in 1905. This trophy was known as the "Tuke Memorial Challenge Cup". It was allocated as the first prize for the dinghy class. After Tuke's death his boat Flamingo was bought by Dr. T. H. R. McKiernan, who raced her for several seasons.
The Club Regatta was held on 7 September, 1929.
In the Sunbeam class, the results were: 1st Flame (W. H. Dowman), 2nd Halcyone, 3rd Maranui and 4th Trent. The other competitor, Caprice, gave up.
It may be noted that Flame was bought by W. H. Dowman from the executors of the late H. S. Tuke.
In the dinghy class, Mrs Norman Lanyon, of Flushing, won the "Tuke Memorial Challenge Cup" with her Alert.