Dover Watercolour Dated 1836 Signed (1 results)

Accomplished drawing in pencil and water-colour wash on paper, 11 x 15 inches approx., with 'Dover 1836' and the initials 'H.G' in the lower left corner. In fine clean condition free from foxing or other blemish, mounted in conservation materials, ready for framing. An accomplished and unusual view, and very interesting for that. Seen from the western end of the Dover shoreline where elements of the Western Docks are completed or under construction. In the foreground is the dry dock, the inland end littered with huge blocks of stone, carts and equipment, and a number of well drawn figures of workmen and onlookers. The blocks are for the construction of Thomas Telford's reservoir, tunnels and sluice, on one of which is inscribed the word 'DOVER'. In the middle ground is the long mole that separates the Wet Dock from the Tidal Harbour and beyond that the North Pier. An interesting feature is the tunnel mouth, visible opposite the lock end of the Dry Dock, where the water from both Wet and Dry Docks could be discharged through the system of tunnels and culverts that Telford was at this date enlarging. These were built into the South Pier by James Moon, responsible for the harbour works in the early part of the century, in an effort to scour the shingle build-up away from the harbour mouth, which for various reasons had proved ineffective. Enlargement was recommended by Thomas Telford in 1834 and his plans were duly completed in 1837, to very great effect, by James Walker, who succeeded Telford on his death in 1834. The tall smokestack and masts and rigging of a paddle steamer are visible in the Wet Dock and various other craft are seen in the Tidal Harbour. In the distance are the buildings of the foreshore and over all, the cliffs and castle. A detailed, well-drawn, and delightful work, full of interest. We have been unable to establish the identity of 'H.G.' but it is clearly the work of a skilful painter, or perhaps engineer. PRINTS/MAPS DOVER PRINTS/MAPS.