John Thomas Serres (1759-1825)
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John Thomas Serres (1759-1825)

The Trinity Yacht firing a salute, a view of the Thames estuary beyond

Details
John Thomas Serres (1759-1825)
The Trinity Yacht firing a salute, a view of the Thames estuary beyond
signed and dated 'J.T. Serres 1788' (on poles, lower left)
oil on canvas
22 x 29½ in. (55.9 x 75 cm.)
Exhibited
London, The Royal Academy, 1789, no. 193.
Special notice
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Lot Essay

The Trinity House Yacht depicted in this work was built by Messrs. Randall & Brent at Rotherhithe and launched "by or before the last spring tides in May [1788]". Measured by her builders at 100 tons burthen - for which they were paid an agreed rate of £12 per ton - she was 61 feet in length (extreme) with a 46 foot keel and a 20¼ foot beam. Ordered by the Elder Brethren of Trinity House, who had specified "one good, new strong and substantial yacht or vessel", her hull was of oak and her decks were constructed from "good, sound 2½ inch Dantzick [Danzig?] Deal." Despite her lavish decoration, she nevertheless appears to have been thoroughly practical and was fitted with "a good windlass, with good pawls, and a capstan with a drumhead and six bars, to have a proper davit...on the starboard side, with 2 large shevers (sheaves), and a proper cathead on the larboard side."; the sheaves were required for the laying or hoisting of buoys whilst the other equipment was needed to work the bower anchors necessary to steady the vessel when she was engaged in buoy-work.

Although painted in 1788, the year of Trinity's completion, it has been suggested that this work actually commemorates the visit of an (unknown) Dutch dignitary in the adjacent yacht, this theory being supported by the awning on Trinity's deck and the pennant at her masthead rather than the normal Trinity House flag. Remaining in service until replaced in 1828, Trinity had a colourful career including the destruction and removal of buoys (so as to confuse the mutineers) during the infamous Nore Mutiny of 1797, numerous royal escort duties and attendance at the gala opening of the East India Dock in 1806.

Another secondary undated version of this painting is held in the collection of Trinity House, London.

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