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Lot Essay
Although fundamental to the safety of inward bound sailing vessels in severe weather, tugs seldom feature as the main subject of such an imposing ship portrait. Even were it not signed, the handling of the sea and stormy sky is unmistakably that of Samuel Walters at his most mature.
Built of iron at Newcastle in 1857, 154 feet long, 24 feet beam, and 12 feet depth of hull, 'United Kingdom' had twin engines capable of providing 150 horsepower. Owned by the United Steam Tug Company Ltd. of 9 Chapel Street Liverpool, she was one of a fleet of five tugs enabling the company to maintain a service in Liverpool Bay in all but the most extreme conditions. Under normal conditions when seeking custom they would cruise at slow speed in the Liverpool approaches, using only one boiler to supply steam to both cylinders; the other 'banked up' ready for use if required. In the boisterous conditions portrayed, the master is taking no chances. A full head of steam is available in both boilers, indicated by smoke from each funnel and a wisp of steam escaping from their adjacent steam pipes.
It is interesting to note that Samuel Walters also painted a portrait of the subject's consort, the paddle steamer tug United States, signed and dated 1857 (Sold at auction in 1998 in New York, 8th January 1998, lot 252). Under almost identical sea conditions, she is viewed from the starboard aspect. This feature and the almost identical size of canvas suggest the two paintings may have been a 'board room' pair at one period.
Together they bear silent but effective testimony to the unsung heroes of the seagoing towage service.
We are grateful to A.S. Davidson for his assistance in cataloguing this lot
Built of iron at Newcastle in 1857, 154 feet long, 24 feet beam, and 12 feet depth of hull, 'United Kingdom' had twin engines capable of providing 150 horsepower. Owned by the United Steam Tug Company Ltd. of 9 Chapel Street Liverpool, she was one of a fleet of five tugs enabling the company to maintain a service in Liverpool Bay in all but the most extreme conditions. Under normal conditions when seeking custom they would cruise at slow speed in the Liverpool approaches, using only one boiler to supply steam to both cylinders; the other 'banked up' ready for use if required. In the boisterous conditions portrayed, the master is taking no chances. A full head of steam is available in both boilers, indicated by smoke from each funnel and a wisp of steam escaping from their adjacent steam pipes.
It is interesting to note that Samuel Walters also painted a portrait of the subject's consort, the paddle steamer tug United States, signed and dated 1857 (Sold at auction in 1998 in New York, 8th January 1998, lot 252). Under almost identical sea conditions, she is viewed from the starboard aspect. This feature and the almost identical size of canvas suggest the two paintings may have been a 'board room' pair at one period.
Together they bear silent but effective testimony to the unsung heroes of the seagoing towage service.
We are grateful to A.S. Davidson for his assistance in cataloguing this lot