In this view from the water, structures line the horizon, and a mixture of working and pleasure boats sail in the harbour. In 1906 Wyllie moved into Tower House in Portsmouth, which was at the entrance to the harbour.

The Victory is visible in dry dock at the centre. A supporter of Victory’s preservation, Wyllie often used her as his subject in paintings and etchings. Representations of Victory in the collection include her position in the Portsmouth dockyard (PAF0716, PAD8349, PAF2300), her restoration, (PAF1491, PAF1492, BHC3701), and the ship in sail (PAE3408, PAE3410, PAF1503). Victory in Portsmouth Harbour was a popular subject for other artists including William Frederick Mitchell (PAH9557), Graham Cliverd (PAF7952) and Charles H. Jordan (PAF7953).

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.