An evocative depiction of shipping on the Thames, including Thames barges and a steam tug, together with lighters and other small boats moored near the wharves of Limehouse in the Lower Pool. Limehouse is was named after the lime kilns or oasts that were prevalent in the area from the 14th century. As the commercial aspect of London grew, the area became more important due to its links with the sea.

In 1871 James Abbott McNeill Whistler published an etching of Limehouse, 1859 (PAF5482). After 1871 Whistler’s influence can be seen in Wyllie’s etchings. This view of Limehouse places a greater focus on the Thames, in comparison to Whistler’s close up depiction of the dock. Wyllie’s viewpoint is from the water, as opposed to from the dock, and presents an atmospheric quality to the fog and smoke along the water which is not portrayed by Whistler in his etching.

W. L. Wyllie (1851-1931) was a British Marine artist. Born in London, Wyllie painted, drew, and etched Thames scenes throughout his life. He moved to Portsmouth in 1907, where he continued working, supported the restoration of the Victory and painted the Trafalgar Panorama. Early in his career Wyllie was an illustrator for The Graphic, and he became a member of the Royal Academy in 1907.