A fine three-quarter length female figurehead from the iron barque ‘River Lune’, in white and gilded classical-style dress with green trim and a green cloak. The hair is long and flowing with a gold headdress and the left arm holds the cloak across the lower breast. The ship’s estimated position was 10 to 15 miles west of the Bishop Rock when, through thick fog, the lookout sighted rocks all around. In attempting to come about she struck the Brothers Rocks and started to go down. The crew abandoned the ship but later were able to return and collect their personal belongings. Although only 11 years old, her wreck fetched no more than £55 and her figurehead was saved for the ‘Valhalla’ Collection on Tresco. The 'Maipu' (see FHD0018) was a casualty of the same fog.

‘River Lune’ details at time of wreck. Iron barque of 1172 tons, registered in Liverpool. Built by Schlesinger, Wallsend, 1868. Dimensions (in feet and tenths): 216.0 x 35.6 x 22.2. Owner: John Hargrove & Co. Registered voyage: Lorient to Ardrossan. Cargo: in ballast. Master at loss: George West. Wrecked: 27 July 1879.