A view of Old Waterloo Bridge from the Thames. The rowboats, barges, and tugboats across the Thames highlight the industrial nature of the river. Waterloo Bridge was in operation from 1817 to 1924; however, the new Waterloo Bridge was built after Wyllie’s death, from 1936-1942, so the title is likely a supplied title, not one that Wyllie himself would have provided. Throughout the different states of this etching of Old Waterloo bridge Wyllie experiments with the effects of light and shadow. Additional states held in the collection include PAF0759, PAF0760, PAF0761.

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.