An etching of London Bridge, with Tower Bridge beyond, by the marine artist William Lionel Wyllie (1851-1931). On the left is a steam tug towing a lighter, while to the right, vessels use the riverside wharves. The work is signed ‘W L Wyllie’, lower left margin.

Wyllie was born in London and knew the city, its river and port throughout his life. He owned and sailed a Thames barge which he converted into a floating studio. This helped to give him an intimate knowledge of the port, its people and its craft.