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“The
Quarter-deck of a Lymington Passage Boat” The crossing point of the Solent, the narrow stretch of water off the United Kingdom’s south coast that lies between the mainland and the Isle of Wight, is relatively short between Lymington and Yarmouth and has been used for hundreds of years - both towns were founded by members of the de Redvers family during the12th century. Privately owned sailing vessels could be hired to cross to the Isle of Wight from Lymington, providing a regular living for individuals on both sides of the water. Members of the Webster family, who were based in Yarmouth, operated two of the three boats listed as being available for making the crossing between Yarmouth and Lymington at the time Rowlandson visited the Island. This particular vessel is probably one of these two vessels, the Lively or the Dove, since the name ‘Webster’ appears on a bulkhead below deck in another sketch by Rowlandson of the same crossing. Both vessels had been built just along the coast at Cowes and were a little over 30 feet in length; but although it was a relatively short crossing the Solent has always been renowned for its ability to produce some horribly awkward and unpleasant sea states! Even after larger and more modern steamers were introduced on the crossing the Websters continued to operate sailing boats between Yarmouth and Lymington; and John Webster was later to survive his vessel being overturned by clinging to a mail bag with his teeth until he was rescued. The man at the helm in this painting, and another on the far left, are wearing ‘montero’ hats, commonly worn by those working on the water, which had side flaps which could be buttoned under the chin (these appear to be made of sheepskin). Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour [1791]. Image size: 9 x 12 ¾ ins (22.9 x 32.4 cms) approx. Overall size of mounted watercolour: 13 ½ x 16 ¾ ins (34.3 x 42.5 cms) approx. Price (mounted): £90 (+ V.A.T. where applicable) Original purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Art Collections Fund. Published by Maritime Prints & Originals at www.thomasrowlandson.com and www.thomasrowlandson.co.uk |
