SOLD Steam Paddle Ship at Chatham Docks likely by Harry Price

A large water colour on board painting of an unnamed Steam Paddle Ship at Chatham, signed 'H.W.P'.

SOLD

The illustration shows several other ships in the background also at anchor. To its stern is a hulk and to its bow, another two masted steam ship with iron clad ships beyond it. The Paddle Ship is shown in good detail with its yellow funnel acting as a focal point between its two masts and rigging.

The painting is signed with the initials 'H.W.P' with 'Chatham 1887' below. To the back of the board is a partial paper label noting 'Chatham -… Upnor - R.N. Dockya..H. Price 1887' and 'Diamond - Thush'. Diamond may refer to HMS Diamond which was launched at Chatham in March 1887, although she is not readily recognisable in the picture. Written in pencil directly to the back of the board are the locations Gillingham, Old Brompton, RN Chatham, Sheerness, Medway, from Unor Fort and Upnor. Written in green to the board is '1887 Chatham RN.'

It is probable that this painting was done by Harry Price, as noted to the back. Certainly, the way the initials have been painted is similar to other paintings by Price. The doubt is from the date of 1887. If it refers to the date it was painted, Harry Price would only have been 10 years old. He was sent to the Birmingham School of Art at an early age and his talent quickly shone through. So much so, that the school told him they couldn't teach him anymore. By the age of 16 he had joined the Navy. It is also possible that the date refers to the painting of an earlier scene, for the purpose of an illustration.

This painting is in all likelihood by Harry Price but there is the possibility it might be by Horace William Petherick (1839-1919), a much older artist who often signed with his initials in a similar manner.

The illustration is well painted with the half light of the picture suggests the day coming to an end. Dated 1887.