HMS Terpsichore by Harry Price

A watercolour and gouache on paper of HMS Terpsichore by Harry Price.

Terpsichore was an Apollo Class Cruiser that was built by Thompson of Glasgow and launched in 1890. She took part in the Boer War and was scrapped in 1914.

The painting is initialled 'H.W.P' to the lower right with a washed out date below. Written in pencil to the bottom edge is 'H.M.S. Terpsichore 1904.' To the back of the paper, to the bottom right is written 'RT RN, H.W. Price 1904. H.M.S. Terpichore 1904.', with the spelling mistake forgivable. RT RN might be the abbreviation for - Radio Technician Royal Navy.

In 1904, Price was serving on the Monmouth Class Cruiser HMS Donegal, first as a Petty Officer but was then demoted to Leading Seaman. The ship was part of the Home Fleet at this date. Price had seen Terpsichore before in 1901 at Simon's Bay, South Africa whilst on the Royal tour and painted her in a group of other ships for his diary.

The painting has uneven sides, that could be easily hidden if mounted, and the yellow brown background is a quick wash. Naturally, more time was spent on the subject, which is shown at anchor, with the coast to the background of the bow. Dated 1904.