The North West Prospect of His Majesty’s Dock Yard at Deptford in Kent

Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (1696 - 1779)
Francis Swaine (1725 - 1782)

Pen and ink and wash on paper

c.1739

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Image of The North West Prospect of His Majesty’s Dock Yard at Deptford in Kent
  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Government Art Collection
  • About the artist
    Brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck made their names as leading British topographical draughtsmen of the 18th century. Over a period of 34 years, the Bucks produced several hundred drawings and engravings, including 87 engraved prospects of England and Wales. These are now important visual records of the appearance of British urban landscapes prior to the changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution. In some cases, the places depicted have since disappeared or changed beyond recognition.
    Little is known of the early life Francis Swaine, marine painter. In 1735, his name appeared as a messenger in a list of clerks and officers employed by the Treasurers and Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy. Swaine's work was strongly influenced by Peter Monamy, Charles Brooking and the earlier paintings of Willem van de Velde the younger. Most of Swaine’s output was small scale shipping subjects. He exhibited his work at the Free Society of Arts from 1761 until the end of his life and at the Incorporated Society of Artists exhibitions from 1762. For much of his life, Swaine lived near St. James’s Park, Westminster. He moved to Chelsea shortly before his death in 1782.
  • Explore
    Places
    England, Deptford, Kent, River Thames
    Subjects
    rowing boat, topography, seascape/coastal scene, townscape/cityscape, dock, ship
    Materials & Techniques
    paper (as artists material), ink, Ink and wash drawing, wash
  • Details
    Artist
    Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (1696 - 1779)
    Francis Swaine (1725 - 1782)
    Title
    The North West Prospect of His Majesty’s Dock Yard at Deptford in Kent
    Date
    c.1739
    Medium
    Pen and ink and wash on paper
    Dimensions
    height: 26.00 cm, width: 80.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Sir Bruce Ingram, 1963
    Inscription
    top: THE NORTH WEST PROSPECT OF HIS MAJESTYS DOCK YARD AT DEPTFORD IN KENT
    Provenance
    Collection of journalist and newspaper editor Sir Bruce Stirling Ingram (1877-1963) and on loan to the Ministry of Works from 1952; from whom purchased by the Ministry of Works in 1963
    GAC number
    1603