A river scene by the marine painter William Lionel Wyllie showing a steamer at a quayside and other vessels on the water, including a number of lighters receiving cargo from the steamer. 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.