Original artwork description:

An extremely traditional marine oil painting depicting the River Thames to the seaward side of Tower Bridge at the very end of the 19th century. This stretch of the river was known as the Pool of London.

London at the time was a major commercial port and at this time sailing ships and steamers were side by side unloading their varied cargoes from around the world.

Detailing the content of this composition:

The newly completed Tower Bridge frames the more distant dome of St. Paul´s Cathedral, the area around St. Katharine´s dock entrance has some smaller sailing ships alongside and Wapping waterfront is just coming into view on the far right. Quite a few ships are tied up on the opposite Bermondsey side of the river. A sailing barge holds back waiting for the three masted ship to pass that is being towed downstream on the tide by a tug. Tugs were a common sight on the river often towing barges laden with cargoes discharged from the ocean going ships to destinations further upstream and then usually returning with outward bound material. Other barges were operated by lightermen who propelled their barges with one or sometimes two oars.

The skyline on both sides of the river has been transformed beyond recognition in recent decades although there are a few recognisable buildings still standing more or less as they appear in this painting. I can remember much more of this earlier landscape because even a recently as the 1970s time had stood still for a long time.

This is a detailed painting creating the atmosphere of the busy Victorian trading times. It is painted with professional quality oil paints on superior grade linen canvas and has a fairly smooth surface. Painted to last. Offered ready to hang in a carefully selected bespoke hand finished luxury frame, available unframed if preferred (there would be a minor price reduction).

The painting will be shipped in a purpose built robust wood box to ensure safe transit. Please note that the shipping costs do not include possible international import duty, VAT or US sales tax. These are the sole responsibility of the purchaser and can vary from zero to approximately 5%.

Materials used:

professional quality oils on linen canvas over a hardwood stretcher

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