Seagulls in flight swarm the water in the centre of this image. Balancing the composition on the right, a group of gulls calmly observe the scene. Aquatint lends an atmospheric quality and tonality to this grey image. Signed by artist.

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.