HMS Linnet by Harry Price

A watercolour and gouache on board of the wood and iron composite screw gun vessel HMS Linnet by Harry Price.

There were a number of HMS Linnets but the date of the painting shows that it has to be the 6th ship of that name, launched in January 1880 by Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. of Blackwall, London. She was sold in 1904 to the Liverpool Salvage Association, converted to a salvage ship and renamed Linton. She was finally broken up in 1923.

The painting is initialled 'J.W.P. 1903' in white to the right with 'HMS' also in white before 'H.M.S. Linnet 03. 6.' in black. To the bottom left is written 'Chatham 03' in black. The back of the board has two paper labels; the first at a right angle states 'H.M.S. Linnet Chatham, H.W. Price RN 1903.' The second is stuck over a number of illustrative profiles of parts of the ship such as the guns, vents and funnel etc. The label has a small profile drawing of the ship along with a half section, a gun and a view from above. The label also notes 'HMS Linnet 19011 1903' in blue and 'Nellie Leman. 1908.'

As with the HMS Quail painting by Harry Price, it is a curiosity as to why he has signed it 'J.W.P.' The Linnet is shown at sea off Chatham under steam power with smoke blowing from her one funnel whilst her 3 masts are idle. Price also painted a small picture of HMS Linnet in his Royal Tour diary. Dated 1903.