The etching looks toward an industrial area of Rochester along the Medway river ca. 1900. Wyllie has fully elaborated the central fishing boat’s reflection, giving the impression of a clear, calm day, in contrast to the indications of industry behind. Seagulls in the centre foreground provide a sense of dynamism to the image. Signed by artist.

Rochester was an industrial area in the 19th century, with active mills, cement works, and factories. This image pictures mills and factories, with smoke and smokestacks visible in the background. In the early 20th century the industries went into decline. From the mid-1880s to 1906 Wyllie lived at Hoo Lodge in Rochester, near the river Medway. In Rochester, Wyllie was surrounded by images of the working river, which deeply influenced his art. In 1883, Wyllie painted ‘Heave Away’, Barges upward bound, shooting Rochester Bridge, which was exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1884. There are several studies for this work in the collection.

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.