Alfred Wallis (1855–1942), originally from Devon, spent much of his life as a fisherman before running a scrap-metal business in St Ives. After his wife’s death in 1922, he began painting to ease his loneliness. His work caught the attention of artists Ben Nicholson and Christopher Wood during their 1928 visit to St Ives, leading to its inclusion in the Seven & Five Society’s 1929 exhibition. Wallis later died in Madron Poorhouse.