Lot 156: The William Lee arriving at the Humber Dock Basin, Hull, on her return from Calcutta, 22ndJanuary 1839

John Ward (1798-1849) The William Lee arriving at the Humber Dock Basin, Hull, on her return from Calcutta, 22nd January 1839 oil on canvas 9 ¼ x 14 in. (23.5 x 35.7 cm.)

23.5 x 35.7 cm.

M.W. Clarke, and by descent to Brigadier Dudley Clarke, London. Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 24 June 1960, lot 129 (sold for 60 guineas to F.T. Sabin).

Built by Messrs. Dikes and Gibson for Robert Lee and John Tall, the William Lee was launched at Hull on 17th January 1831. Originally employed in the whale fishery, she was sold to Joseph Gee and Thomas Thompson in partnership with George Liddell, the banker, in 1837 and was put into the Calcutta trade. Leaving Hull on 23rd March 1838, under the command of Captain Sheppard, she returned the following year on 22nd January and received an enthusiastic reception from the people of Hull.