John Hood, was a shipwright who lived at Limehouse. He specialized in large pen and wash drawings of shipping scenes (including storms) which he exhibited at the Society of Artists and the Free Society 1762-71, his medium described as 'indian ink'. Some, like this example, are reminiscent of the later Dutch pen paintings, made in the early 18th century by Adriaen van Salm and other artists.

The Hudson's Bay Company was founded in 1670 by Royal Charter which gave it the exclusive right to trade principally in fur in the huge territory known as 'Rupert's Land' (Prince Rupert was a governor of the company). The flag which flies from the barge in the foreground bears the Company's arms and therefore identifies the subject. The drawing is signed and inscribed 'John Hood Delin. at Limehouse/1769'.