Lyra of Shoreham outward-bound from Liverpool, 15th May, 1888; Lyra of Shoreham, encountering a hurricane, in Lat. 3.5 S Long. 82 W, on 11th October 1888; and Lyra of Shoreham passing the Fastnet Rock on passage from Pisagua under jury rig (one illustrated)

Details

Robert P. Atkinson (c.1889)
Lyra of Shoreham outward-bound from Liverpool, 15^t^h May, 1888; Lyra of Shoreham, encountering a hurricane, in Lat. 3.5 S Long. 82 W, on 11^t^h October 1888; and Lyra of Shoreham passing the Fastnet Rock on passage from Pisagua under jury rig (one illustrated)
the first signed and dated 'R Atkinson 1888' (lower left); the second and third signed and dated 'Rob. P Atkinson 1889' (lower left); all extensively inscribed (lower centre)
oil on canvas, two unframed
24 x 35 in. (61 x 88.8 cm.)
Sold with a certificate from The Mercantile Marine Service Association presented to Capt. Oliver Goldsmith, in gratitude for his bringing Lyra safely home. (4)

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Lot Essay

Captain Oliver Goldsmith left Pisagua for Queenstown on 15th September 1888 in the barque Lyra [380 tons]. However, on 11th October, he encountered a heavy gale which dismasted the ship. Rather than run into Valparaiso, the nearest port at 350 miles away, Goldsmith showed great bravery and presence of mind and lashed a spare spar to what remained of the main mast and continued the rest of the 10,000 mile voyage to Queenstown.

In gratitude for his actions in saving the vessel, and in recognition of his courage in the face of such danger on his first voyage as Captain, the Mercantile Marine Service Assocation and the owners and underwriters of the ship presented Goldsmith with a gold watch, a cheque for 60 guineas and a certificate describing his actions.

It is highly likely, therefore, that these pictures were commissioned for Goldsmith to commemorate what must have been one of the most important passages of his career.

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