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Lot Essay
Walter and Henry were the sons of a Chelsea boat builder and devotees of James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903). They first met Whistler when he moved to Cheyne Walk in 1863 and the three became inseparable friends for the next twenty years. While the brothers taught Whistler to row, he encouraged them to draw and paint, insisting that they describe themselves as the 'Pupils of Whistler'.
The present work is typical of Walter and Henry's popular riverside scenes. The Old Swan was established in the late eighteenth century and was famous as the finishing point of Dogett's Coat and Badge Race which started at London Bridge. The inn, the malt house and the brewery were later demolished to make way for the embankment which was opened in 1874.
The present work is typical of Walter and Henry's popular riverside scenes. The Old Swan was established in the late eighteenth century and was famous as the finishing point of Dogett's Coat and Badge Race which started at London Bridge. The inn, the malt house and the brewery were later demolished to make way for the embankment which was opened in 1874.