The Nelson on the Stocks, building at Woolwich in the Year 1814

Etching from Cooke's 'Views on the Thames' showing HMS 'Nelson' (1814) near to completion at the Royal Dockyard in Woolwich in 1814. The image shows the bow and starboard side of the vessel surrounded by scaffolding with men working on her final fitting out. One team carries a decking plank up a ramp to where another length is being hauled up to an open gun port. Four flag staffs are erected on the top deck in preparation for the launch ceremony. On a gantry in front of the bow, a man operates a rope hoist while other figures stand on the foredeck above the figurehead of Nelson. Planks lie in the left foreground and, to the right, a wooden-wheeled cart delivers more timber. A couple with a child stand at the foot of the ramp and a large crowd is gathered at the top on a viewing platform under the stern gallery. The river and a row of dockside buildings can be seen in the background.
This impression features scratched letters for the inscriptions. Three other impressions, probably later reprints, exhibit printed lettering (PAD6094-95,PAI2011).

Object Details

ID: PAD6093
Collection: Fine art
Type: Print
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Francia, Francois Louis Thomas; Cooke, William Bernard
Vessels: Nelson (1814)
Date made: 1815
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Presented by Mr & Mrs P. J. Westwood through The Art Fund
Measurements: Mount: 157 mm x 240 mm