Boydell Galleries - British Watercolours, Antique Maps & Prints

A recent discovery by us of this important early view of Liverpool, which is now believed to be the second earliest known contemporary depiction of Liverpool.
The previous owner said that it originally had a reverse chamfered wooden border of the type which was often found in "overmantle" paintings for insertion under panelling for display. It may therefore have been on display either in a wealthy mariner's house, or even on board a ship.
The topography is very similar to the engraving of Liverpool published in 1728 by S & N Buck, but without the inclusion of St Georges Church (commenced in 1727, & completed in 1734) on the site of the castle (demolished between 1704 & 1720). From the left can be seen - St Nicholas' Church without the spire (added in 1746) - The Tower of Liverpool - The second Town Hall with the Union Flag - Ship-building - St Peters Church - The great Wet Dock (completed in 1715) with the masts of shipping and the second Custom House prominently shown - The Dry or Graving Docks in front, and nearby the landing-pier from which the ferry boats started, and the interesting inclusion of a public house on the waterfront.
We are delighted to announce that this has been purchased by the Liverpool Maritime Museums, and will form part of their permanent collection.
For an even bigger enlargement of the image showing more detail - CLICK HERE


Primative Oil painted on 4 joined planks of pine, 59 1/2" x 29 1/2" by an unknown hand depicting a contemporary view of Liverpool and the River Mersey, circa 1725..

A view of the second Custom House built at the head of the New Dock, The jetty in the foreground was used for the ferries across the Mersey. No doubt future historians will find a reason for the activity on the jetty, and the ships firing a salute - perhaps the painting was executed to commemorate the visit by someone important. Note the windmills behind the town on the site of Lime Street and Everton.


A closer view of the naval ships firing a salute. Note the "Red Duster" flags which were used by the Navy before the White Ensign was introduced. In the town, the building with the large Union Jack is the second Exchange or Town Hall.


A closer view of the jetty, and the meeting of two seemingly important people. The smoke to the right of the Custom House is coming from the Glass House of Josiah Poole opened in 1715.			Ship-Building on the Mersey. Mr Laird (Later Cammel Laird of Birkenhead) established his yard to the south of the New Dock (the right of the Custom House in the big picture).

The painting was the subject of intense examination by the Liverpool Conservation Centre. This new centre has all the latest conservation and testing equipment, and the senior conservator, Ms Nicola Christie, is shown below with some of the results.


The Optical Microscope table, with x-rays of the picture behind			Inside the Ultra-Violet examination room.

	A Major Discovery by the Gallery Oil Painting of Liverpool, circa 1725