An etching of a vessel discharging goods into lighters in the Upper Pool. St. Paul’s and Monument are visible on the right. At the height of the port's prosperity some 6000 lighters were engaged in carrying cargoes from the docks. As a result of the 'free water clause' the dockers were able to enter the docks and receive or deliver goods directly to or from vessels.

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.