Transportation

Americans have always been a people on the move—on rails, roads, and waterways (for travel through the air, visit the National Air and Space Museum). In the transportation collections, railroad objects range from tools, tracks, and many train models to the massive 1401, a 280-ton locomotive built in 1926. Road vehicles include coaches, buggies, wagons, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and automobiles—from the days before the Model T to modern race cars. The accessories of travel are part of the collections, too, from streetlights, gas pumps, and traffic signals to goggles and overcoats.

In the maritime collections, more than 7,000 design plans and scores of ship models show the evolution of sailing ships and other vessels. Other items range from scrimshaw, photographs, and marine paintings to life jackets from the Titanic.

In the center, the American clipper ship Coeur de Lion sails from left to right in the standard pose of the classic portrait of a ship entering port. The main and topsails are set, except for the mizzen mainsail, which is furled to air the spanker (for steerage).
Description
In the center, the American clipper ship Coeur de Lion sails from left to right in the standard pose of the classic portrait of a ship entering port. The main and topsails are set, except for the mizzen mainsail, which is furled to air the spanker (for steerage). At the ship’s head flies the inner jib; all other sails are either furled or being taken in. House, signal, and American flags fly from all three masts and the spanker gaff. Six crew are visible on deck; whimsically, one is waving to the artist (or viewer) from his post amidships. In the left foreground, a small, two-masted Chinese boat approaches Coeur de Lion; in the background is the port of Hong Kong. Numerous Western sailing vessels and steamships are anchored at port in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.309517
catalog number
309517
accession number
103202
In 1840, Canadian Samuel Cunard inaugurated regular transatlantic steamship service from Liverpool, England to North America.
Description
In 1840, Canadian Samuel Cunard inaugurated regular transatlantic steamship service from Liverpool, England to North America. Within a few years, he had two competitors, one of whom was American Edward Knight Collins (1802-1878), owner of the Dramatic Line of Atlantic sailing packets.
Collins had been lobbying the U.S. government for nearly a decade for the subsidy of an American overseas steamship mail service, and in 1847 Congress authorized an annual transatlantic mail contract for $385,000. Won by Collins, the contract called for five steamships and bimonthly mail service from New York to Liverpool.
Collins founded the New York and Liverpool United States Mail Steamship Company (known as the Collins Line) and commissioned the four sister steamships Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic and Baltic. When service started in 1850, the Collins ships were the fastest, largest, and most magnificently appointed steamships in the world, with stained glass skylights, steam heat in the public rooms and 3,500-bottle wine cellars.
This painting shows the arrival of the Collins liner Atlantic in May 1850 after her maiden voyage from New York to Liverpool. Measuring 282 feet long and 2,856 tons, the Atlantic set a speed record on this passage, while consuming 87 tons of coal per day. Although the Collins line ceased operations in February 1858, the Atlantic was acquired by the U.S. Government for Civil War service. After the war it was operated by other owners until scrapped in 1871.
date made
1800s
US Congress awarded an annual transatlantic mail contract to Collins
1847
Collins Line service started
1850
Collins Line service ended
1858
Atlantic acquired by the government for Civil War service
1858
Atlantic scrapped
1871
Collins steamship line
New York and Liverpool United States Mail Steamship Company
ship owner
Collins, Edward Knight
ship owner and Knight's competitor
Cunard, Samuel
built SS <I>Atlantic</I>
Dramatic Line of Atlantic Sailing Packets
maker
Louis Honore Frederick Gamain
ID Number
TR.336491
accession number
1978.0362
catalog number
336491
Operating out of New York, the Black Ball Line pioneered scheduled packet ship service to Liverpool, England in 1818, and the firm continued operating until it was dissolved in 1879.
Description
Operating out of New York, the Black Ball Line pioneered scheduled packet ship service to Liverpool, England in 1818, and the firm continued operating until it was dissolved in 1879. Its success resulted from focusing on the lucrative passenger trade, at a time when immigration to the United States was at its highest level.
In 1851, the massive three-deck packet Isaac Webb was the seventh and last Black Baller launched from the shipyard of famous New York shipbuilder William H. Webb, who also owned a 1/16 share of the ship. Named after the builder’s father, the Isaac Webb measured 185 feet in length and 1,359 tons. It made about four round trips per year between New York and Liverpool, England from 1851–1879. The average length of a passage was 37 days, with the shortest voyage recorded as 25 days.
In June 1863, while westbound from Liverpool to New York with 658 passengers, the Isaac Webb was captured by the Confederate commerce raider Florida. A bond for a $40,000 ransom freed the ship to complete the passage. In late December 1866, while westbound for New York, the Webb encountered a gale so cold that it killed three crew, and several others were badly frostbitten. On the same passage nearly two years later, another powerful gale killed the captain.
The Isaac Webb continued to sail after the Black Ball Line closed. In late October 1880, while bound from Europe to New York, it was abandoned at sea by its crew of 24, who were rescued by a passing steamship bound for Boston. British marine painter Samuel Walters completed this oil painting around 1851, when the ship was new.
Date made
1851
ship was launched
1851
ship made transatlantic voyages from New York and Liverpool
1851-1880
ship was abandoned
1880-10
shipping firm
Black Ball Line
shipbuilder
Webb, William H.
ship's namesake
Webb, Isaac
maker
Walters, Samuel
ID Number
TR.317527
catalog number
317527
accession number
229943
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
artist
Bard, James
maker
Bard, James
ID Number
DL.65.0814A
catalog number
65.0814
accession number
256396
"Topaz 3-15-44"Currently not on view
Description
"Topaz 3-15-44"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944-03-15
maker
Ujihara, Akio
ID Number
1986.3047.09
catalog number
1986.3047.09
nonaccession number
1986.3047
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
Circa 1919
ca 1919
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Stanley-Brown, Rudolph
Stanley-Brown, Katharine
artist
Stanley-Brown, Rudolph
ID Number
AF.59728M
catalog number
59728M
accession number
216896
The most dangerous part of a dangerous job was working in the actual whaleboat, first chasing and then capturing and killing the prey.This picture is a copy or an overpainted example of a famous print first issued in 1835, believed to be the first indigenous American whaling prin
Description
The most dangerous part of a dangerous job was working in the actual whaleboat, first chasing and then capturing and killing the prey.
This picture is a copy or an overpainted example of a famous print first issued in 1835, believed to be the first indigenous American whaling print. It is derived from a sketch by whaleman Cornelius Hulsart, who lost an arm on the whaler Superior and subsequently became an artist.
The original print was one of a pair produced to raise money for Hulsart, and it was dedicated to Superior's owners N. & W.W. Billings of New London, Connecticut. It is a fairly accurate portrayal of the danger in approaching and killing a wounded, enraged whale. As shown by the red, bloody whale spout, the whalers have struck the prey’s lungs or arteries, but the animal was still strong enough to break a boat in half and flip a crewman into the water.
date or original painting
1835
whaleman and artist
Hulsart, Cornelius
owner of the ship Superior
N & W. W. Billings
ID Number
DL.65.0876
catalog number
65.0876
accession number
256396
The Indiana was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,126 tons. Indiana was one of the first four iron trans-Atlantic ships built in the United States.
Description
The Indiana was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,126 tons. Indiana was one of the first four iron trans-Atlantic ships built in the United States. Indiana's sister ships include Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The ship was owned by the American Line and was in service between Europe and America.
The Indiana was insured by INA. The painting shows a starboard view of the steamship sailing in rough water. There is a keystone painted on its stack representing the Pennsylvania Railroad, which partly owned the American Line. The ship is driven by both sail and steam, with the sails helping to keep the ship steady. The CIGNA collection has a painting of Indiana's sister ship Pennsylvania.
Samuel Walters (1811-1882) was a British marine painter. The painting style is typical of his later seascapes. It is painted with a broad brushstroke and has a wet appearance. Also, it is the typical angle of his ships at this time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
maker
Walters, Samuel
ID Number
2005.0279.013
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.013
Ship sailing on rough sea.Currently not on view
Description
Ship sailing on rough sea.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.004
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.004
The painting shows a small rowing craft with seven men heading toward a wrecked sailing vessel in stormy seas. In the distance, buildings can be seen on the shore off to the right. The background may be near New York.
Description
The painting shows a small rowing craft with seven men heading toward a wrecked sailing vessel in stormy seas. In the distance, buildings can be seen on the shore off to the right. The background may be near New York. Unlike more formal ship portraits, this painting does not depict a particular ship.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1882
maker
Briscoe, Franklin D.
ID Number
2005.0279.018
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.018
Grinnell, Minturn & Company owned two ships named Ontario. Benjamin Minturn also owned a third ship named Ontario with John T. Champlin. The ship featured in the painting is most likely Ontario (II).
Description
Grinnell, Minturn & Company owned two ships named Ontario. Benjamin Minturn also owned a third ship named Ontario with John T. Champlin. The ship featured in the painting is most likely Ontario (II). It was built in New Castle, Maine for Grinnell, Minturn & Company in 1854, measuring 202 feet in length, 40 feet 3 inches in beam, 20 feet in depth of hold, and 1,501 tons. The ship entered the Blue Swallowtail Line service in 1854, sailing regularly from New York to Liverpool until 1858. From 1858 to 1863 it conducted regular service from New York to London for the Red Swallowtail Line. Both the Blue Swallowtail Line and Red Swallowtail Line were owned by Grinnell, Minturn & Company. After 1863 the ship did not sail for any regular service but made trips between New York and Europe when needed. The company was active until about 1880.
The painting shows a right profile of the vessel sailing off Dover Castle, one of the oldest and largest castles in England. This site is known as "the Gateway to England," as it marks the shortest distance across the English Channel to France. Ontario is showing the U.S. jack in diminutive form and is calling for a pilot; all its sails are unfurled except one in the rear. The ship is flying the Marryat Code 1/9162. The Grinnell house flag, which is blue and white with a swallow tail, is also flying. There is a carved flag swag on the bow of the ship. Other sailing and steam vessels can be seen in the distance.
Richard B. Spencer was a British painter active between 1840 and 1873. His subjects were mainly sailing vessels or naval engagements. Spencer is considered a folk artist, as he had no formal training in art.
Location
Currently not on view
artist
Spencer, R. B.
ID Number
2005.0279.010
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.010
The Thomas Battersby was built in New Brunswick, Canada in 1825 by John Wilson. The ship measured 102 feet long and 323 tons. The Thomas Battersby was owned by Richard Battersby, and its home port was reported as Belfast.
Description
The Thomas Battersby was built in New Brunswick, Canada in 1825 by John Wilson. The ship measured 102 feet long and 323 tons. The Thomas Battersby was owned by Richard Battersby, and its home port was reported as Belfast. Thomas Battersby was built as a scow and rerigged by 1845 as a brig. It was in the cotton trade between Liverpool and New Orleans, and was last listed in the Lloyd's register in 1847.
The painting shows two views of the same ship, the view of the stern employed to show the name of the ship. Liverpool is visible in the back ground with a good view of the industrial buildings. There are several smaller craft in the painting.
Artist Miles Walters was born in 1774 and died in 1849. He was a shipwright, and later a seaman. After leaving the sea Miles moved to London. He later moved to Liverpool with third son Samuel Walters (1811-1882), where he was listed in the directories as an artist. He worked on several pieces with his son Samuel who studied at the Liverpool Mechanics School of Arts. Samuel became one of the most popular marine painters of his time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830
maker
Walters, Miles
Walters, Samuel
ID Number
2005.0279.030
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.030
The Mirage was built at West Hartlepool, England in 1855 by John Pile. It measured 180 feet long and 965 tons. Mirage was the first ship launched from Hartlepool, after John Pile had been asked to set up a shipyard there by Ralph Ward Jackson. It was commanded by Captain J.
Description
The Mirage was built at West Hartlepool, England in 1855 by John Pile. It measured 180 feet long and 965 tons. Mirage was the first ship launched from Hartlepool, after John Pile had been asked to set up a shipyard there by Ralph Ward Jackson. It was commanded by Captain J. Roberts. Mirage was primarily involved in trade between England and China.
The painting by Thomas Dutton shows the Mirage entering the Mersey River off the coast of Anglesey, England. South Stack Lighthouse, Puffin Island, the Skerries, and Holyhead are visible.
Artist Thomas Goldsworthy Dutton was born in 1819. He is best known for his lithographs of shipping scenes, though he did create watercolor and oil paintings as well. In 1844 he was recorded as a lithographic artist and marine draftsman. He died in 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
maker
Dutton, Thomas G.
ID Number
2005.0279.043
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.043
The Battle of Manila Bay took place on May 1, 1898. The battle was fought between the American Pacific Squadron and the Spanish Pacific Squadron, near the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.
Description
The Battle of Manila Bay took place on May 1, 1898. The battle was fought between the American Pacific Squadron and the Spanish Pacific Squadron, near the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. The American fleet was commanded by Commodore George Dewey, the Spanish by Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón. The flagships of the battle were USS Olympia for the Americans and Reina Cristina for the Spanish. Seven American ships fought against nine Spanish ships though several small gunboats, equipped with weapons from land defenses, also took part in the battle. USS Olympia was built by Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California; it was launched in 1892 and was first commissioned under the command of John J. Reed. USS Olympia measured 344 feet long and 5,586 tons. Reina Cristina was built in Ferrol, Spain; when the ship was launched in 1887 it measured 278 feet long and 3,042 tons. The Battle of Manila Bay led to a major American victory; all the Spanish ships in the squadron were either destroyed, like Reina Cristina, or surrendered.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1898
maker
Mullen, F.
ID Number
2005.0279.035
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.035
The Mary Ann and Jane was built in Sunderland in 1853. It measured 114 feet in length, 26 feet 5 inches in beam, 17 feet 2 inches in depth, and 349 tons. The ship was originally owned by Ogilsby until 1861 when W. Allison gained ownership. Later, in 1866, it was sold to M. Reay.
Description
The Mary Ann and Jane was built in Sunderland in 1853. It measured 114 feet in length, 26 feet 5 inches in beam, 17 feet 2 inches in depth, and 349 tons. The ship was originally owned by Ogilsby until 1861 when W. Allison gained ownership. Later, in 1866, it was sold to M. Reay. After 1872, the ship dropped out of Lloyds Registry. Mary Ann and Jane is pictured with the port side in view under full sail off the coast of Tynemouth. The ship is flying the British flag at the stern and a blue pennant on top reads "Mary Ann and Jane". It is sailing on choppy green seas and other vessels can be seen in the background. John Scott was a Newcastle painter born in 1840. He worked mainly in oils. Typically his paintings featured England's eastern coastline as the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
maker
Scott, John
ID Number
2005.0279.048
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.048
The painting shows an unidentified British merchant vessel of the period 1850-1860.
Description
The painting shows an unidentified British merchant vessel of the period 1850-1860. It is in the process of lowering its jib sails or sails at the bow (front) of the vessel, clewing up its mainsail and reefing its topgallants and royals or shortening its sails for slowing down, as illustrated by the men out on the yards. The merchant vessel is requesting a pilot, and Pilot Boat #21 is approaching the ship just off its port bow.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.053
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.053
This large oil of a shipwreck is by Anglo-American artist Edward Moran (1829-1901), best known for his marine paintings. Born in England, he and his three brothers were trained in weaving by their father; all four later became artists.
Description
This large oil of a shipwreck is by Anglo-American artist Edward Moran (1829-1901), best known for his marine paintings. Born in England, he and his three brothers were trained in weaving by their father; all four later became artists. The family emigrated to Maryland in 1844, and Moran is listed as an artist in the 1857 New York city directory. In 1862 he returned to England and Europe, where he studied for a decade. Throughout his life he continued to travel extensively and paint.
This particular painting depicts a large, unnamed sailing ship in her death throes. The vessel has been dismasted-almost certainly by the storm filling the background and whipping up the sea in the foreground. The ship is down by the stern and listing or leaning to the starboard side, shipping water. Two upper masts are visible in the water in the foreground, with men clinging to them for life support. Many common sailors did not know how to swim, so they had to hold onto something floating if they had any hope of rescue. Two life boats are pulling for the men trapped on the rigging, fishing desperate sailors out of the water as they can. It is not clear whether the small boats are from the sinking ship or a rescue vessel.
While the vessel's name is unknown, the presence of an open gunport in the port bow indicates a warship. Merchant vessels often had painted gunports along their hulls to look more dangerous from a distance, but the water running out of the corner of this one indicates the real thing. But lacking any means of identification, the painting is probably best viewed as an allegory for the power of nature over man.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
maker
Moran, Edward
ID Number
2005.0279.002
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.002
The painting shows two vessels in rough water, possibly off Cape Horn. At an earlier time, it was thought that this was a painting of the clipper Sea Witch, but this is most likely not the case.Currently not on view
Description
The painting shows two vessels in rough water, possibly off Cape Horn. At an earlier time, it was thought that this was a painting of the clipper Sea Witch, but this is most likely not the case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.011
catalog number
2005.0279.011
accession number
2005.0279
USS Pennsylvania was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,104 tons. Pennsylvania was one of the first four iron transatlantic liners built in the United States.
Description
USS Pennsylvania was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,104 tons. Pennsylvania was one of the first four iron transatlantic liners built in the United States. Sister ships were Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The Pennsylvania was sold in 1884 to the International Navigation company. Later, in 1898 the ship was sold to the Alaska Steamship Company. The Pennsylvania made its first Atlantic crossing in May 1873. While returning from Europe in 1874, Pennsylvania encountered a severe gale which swept the captain, first and second officers, and two seamen from the bridge of the ship. They were drowned, leaving no one to command the ship. One of the passengers, C. L. Brady, formerly the third officer on the White Star liner Atlantic, took over and brought the ship in.
The painting shows a portside profile of the steamer in vigorous seas. To the distant left, a small sailing craft is approaching. The plate on the original frame reads "American Line Ship S/S Pennsylvania, Organized by the Penna. R.R. 1871, First Crossing to England, 1873, Built by Wm. Cramp & Sons." The CIGNA collection contains a painting of Pennsylvania's sister ship Indiana.
The painter, James Hamilton (1819-1878), was born in Ireland and came to Philadelphia with his family at age 15. He probably painted this picture sometime between the time the ship was built in 1872 and 1875, when he sold most of his possessions in order to take a trip around the world. In 1878, he died while in San Francisco, before his journey was complete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1872
maker
Hamilton, James
ID Number
2005.0279.012
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.012
The Ocean Rover was built in 1854 by Tobey & Littlefield in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It measured 162 feet in length, 43 feet in beam, 23 feet in depth of hold, and 777 tons. Under the command of Captain McLauren F. Pickering, it participated in the trans-Atlantic cotton trade.
Description
The Ocean Rover was built in 1854 by Tobey & Littlefield in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It measured 162 feet in length, 43 feet in beam, 23 feet in depth of hold, and 777 tons. Under the command of Captain McLauren F. Pickering, it participated in the trans-Atlantic cotton trade. In 1863 it was sold to owners in Salem, Massachusetts. Later, around 1868, it was sold to a Captain Carlton. On July 18, 1870 it struck a reef in the River Jeganna, Pernambucco, Brazil.
The painting shows the Ocean Rover entering an unidentified English port. There is a storm, and the crew has been ordered aloft to reef the sails so the captain could gain better control of the ship. There is some floating wreckage to the left. In the background towards the left, there is a wooded coast with a church and other buildings.
W. Webb was a British marine painter active from 1860-1895. According to the British marine painting authority A.S. Davidson, W. Webb commonly used Dover as the background in his paintings, although the background of this painting is different than the one usually used. Webb portrayed English sailing vessels exclusively. There is a suspicion that Webb may have been a pseudonym used by Spencer. The water in the painting is similar to Spencer's style.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Webb, W.
ID Number
2005.0279.064
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.064
Matilda Wattenbach was built under special Lloyd's Registry of Shipping survey in 1853 by Frederick C. Clark in Jersey, England for J.J Helhuish and T.H.A. Wattenbach. The ship measured 210 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, 20 feet in depth of hold, and 1,058 tons.
Description
Matilda Wattenbach was built under special Lloyd's Registry of Shipping survey in 1853 by Frederick C. Clark in Jersey, England for J.J Helhuish and T.H.A. Wattenbach. The ship measured 210 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, 20 feet in depth of hold, and 1,058 tons. It first appears in Lloyd's Register in 1854. The Matilda Wattenback was a metal-sheathed vessel that traded between Great Britain and New Zealand and later participated in the China trade. In 1864 the ship's name changed to Race Horse.
The painting shows a front view of the ship under full sail from off the port bow. Montague Dawson (1895-1973) was a British painter whose father and grandfather were also well-known artists. During World War I he illustrated naval engagements. After the war, he specialized in the portrayal of clipper ships in full sail.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935-1937
maker
Dawson, Montague
ID Number
2005.0279.016
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.016
The Hurricane was an extreme clipper ship built in 1850 by Issac C. Smith in Hoboken, New Jersey. The ship measured 215 feet long and 1,680 tons. Hurricane was owned by C.W. & H. Thomas of New York. While owned by C.W. & H. Thomas it was captained by Samuel Very.
Description
The Hurricane was an extreme clipper ship built in 1850 by Issac C. Smith in Hoboken, New Jersey. The ship measured 215 feet long and 1,680 tons. Hurricane was owned by C.W. & H. Thomas of New York. While owned by C.W. & H. Thomas it was captained by Samuel Very. Hurricane traded from New York to China. It was reported to be the first ship ever to travel 400 nautical miles in 24 hours. Hurricane was one of only three ships at the time to have a moon-sail on its main mast, a moon-sail is a sail flown immediately above a sky-sail, and it was generally only used on ships of a large size. After the depression of 1857 had made the ship unprofitable, it was sold at Singapore to the British in 1860. The ship was renamed the Shaw-Allum, and is in the register as late as 1876. In the painting, Hurricane is flying the American Flag at Whampoa Island. Pagoda Island is visible in the background, along with some buildings and docks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1857
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.039
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.039
Chacma was built in 1868 by W. Pile and Company in Sunderland, England. She measured 174 feet in length, 29 feet 2 inches in beam, 17 feet 9 inches in depth of hold, and 569 tons.
Description
Chacma was built in 1868 by W. Pile and Company in Sunderland, England. She measured 174 feet in length, 29 feet 2 inches in beam, 17 feet 9 inches in depth of hold, and 569 tons. Owned by John Hay, she traded between Sunderland and India under Captain Thorpe until 1890, when she was sold to Norwegians. The painting features Dover harbor and Dover Castle in the distance. The ship is flying a swallow tail flag. R.B Spencer was a British painter active between 1840 and 1874.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Spencer, R. B.
ID Number
2005.0279.052
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.052
The sailing vessel Higginson was built in 1814 in Liverpool, England. It measured 115 feet in length and weighed 453 tons. The vessel was owned by Sir William Barton, George Irlam, and John Higginson. When Barton died in 1826, Irlam and Higginson took up his share.
Description
The sailing vessel Higginson was built in 1814 in Liverpool, England. It measured 115 feet in length and weighed 453 tons. The vessel was owned by Sir William Barton, George Irlam, and John Higginson. When Barton died in 1826, Irlam and Higginson took up his share. It was active in the Liverpool-West Indies trade from 1814-1839. In 1839 it disappeared from the registry. Humphrey Owen purchased it in February 1848 after its former owners declared bankruptcy. Subsequently, Higginson sailed with W.H. Owens, the owner's son, as master from the Menai Straits to New York with cargos of slate and emigrants. The Welsh American paper, Y Cyfaill noted in 1850 that 150 Welshman arrived in New York on Higginson.
The painting by Samuel Walters shows the Higginson in the Mersey River, arriving at Liverpool, England. It is a harbor scene showing a good view of the city of Liverpool waterfront with churches, municipal buildings, mills and fortifications are shown. Evernton Hill is in the background. A three-part view of the ship shows the Higginson from starboard, astern, and port. The main view is a starboard profile with the sails unfurled. Several other smaller craft can be seen in the harbor.
According to A.S. Davidson in the book Samuel Walters - Marine Painter (1992, p.64), "The convention of successive views relates a progressive furling of sail, and alteration of course, until the vessel finally comes to anchor stemming the incoming tide off the distant Liverpool docks. Identity is possible from the inscription "Higginson-Liverpool" on the stern in the port quarter view, and the Liverpool Code flags, 1, 8, on the foremast.
Miles Walters (1773-1855) was a British tradesman and marine painter. Samuel Walters (1811-1882) under the influence and guidance of his father also became a marine painter. This painting may be a collaborative product of both men.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1831
maker
Walters, Samuel
Walters, Miles
ID Number
2005.0279.055
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.055

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