s The return of the 'William Lee' from Calcutta, entering the Humber Dock, Hull - Hull Museums Collections

The return of the 'William Lee' from Calcutta, entering the Humber Dock, Hull

This painting is widely regarded as Ward's masterpiece. The 'William Lee' was employed in the Arctic fishery until 1837 when she was used in regular trade with Calcutta. The ship departed on the 23rd March 1838 under the command of Capt. Sheppard and returned the following year on 22nd January to an enthusiastic reception from the people of Hull. Ward captures the scene as she enters the mouth of the Humber Dock basin. We sense something of the excitement of the onlookers as they watched the majestic ship returning laden with valuables from the Orient. On the right is the Baltic brig 'Consort'. The picture is framed by the wooden piers on either side. On the left is a Humber Keel with her topsail raised. The red and white striped pennant flying from the 'William Lee's' mast is that of her agent, Joseph Gee. This fine vessel sailed to Calcutta for several years and then in 1845 to St. Petersburg. She was lost two years later.