The Swansea Museum art collection began in 1835 with the aim to accumulate pictures with local relevance. This idea remains in place today and has led to an eclectic range of paintings spanning assorted styles, periods and subject matter. It is a significant collection of landscapes, seascapes and portraits of local dignitaries, artists include members of the Harris (James, Senior and Junior) and Duncan (Allan and Edward) families. There is an interesting collection of maritime paintings, which are rich in historical imagery. They record accurate portrayals of merchant and working vessels and show us what harbours and seaways they used. In the collection there are over 100 oil paintings, stretching from the seventeenth century to the present day. There are works by Will Evans, including several views of the city immediately after the enemy air raids of 1941, and a very fine painting 'Landing Oysters at Mumbles' by George Wolfe. Recently, there has been an emphasis on collecting local topographical views. These provide a visual representation of specific local areas at moments of time in history.