The Brig 'Manly'

Artist John Phillip (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1817 - 1867)

Associated Manly

Date1834

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 45.6 cm, Width: 61 cm
Frame: Height: 69.8 cm, Width: 84.8 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1899 by Alexander Walker.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG004140

Keywords

About MeIn 1834 Phillip went for the first time to London, travelling on The Manly, a 'stone ship' that carried cargoes of Aberdeen granite to the capital. Phillip did not stow away, as he liked to relate in later life, but was promised passage in return for a picture - a portrait of the Captain or his wife. In the event he seems to have painted a portrait of the ship itself instead and although somewhat clumsy, the picture captures effectively the speed of the small, heavily laden ship as it sails through a choppy sea.

Phillip stayed in London for about ten days, making daily visits to the Royal Academy and each night returning to the boat moored at Miller's Wharf. Wilkie, Landseer and Collins were the artists who most attracted his attention.

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Philip travelled on this granite freighter from Aberdeen to London and back to visit the Royal Academy, and boarded on the ship while in the capital