William Lionel Wyllie (1851-1931) had first-hand knowledge of the River Thames. He sailed its length from London to the sea and painted, drew and etched most of its features – its craft, people and landscape. This drawing depicts the tug 'Sirdar' moored next to several lighters and barges, including the 'Edith'. The barge several astern of ‘Edith’ looks to be in the process of having her mast lowered. London Bridge can be seen in the distance. The 'Sirdar' was at Tilbury Docks at the time of the 1901 census.