Historic Seascape Painting Battleship HMS London 1914 Guardian of the British Expeditionary Force Wwi by Frank Watson Wood

Details

Description

1 Historic Seascape Watercolor Painting by Frank Watson Wood of HMS London 1914: Escorting the British Expeditionary Force – A … Read more 1 Historic Seascape Watercolor Painting by Frank Watson Wood of HMS London 1914: Escorting the British Expeditionary Force – A Maritime Legacy with Midshipman Edmund Walter Anstice onboard.

This stunning original watercolour by renowned maritime artist Frank Watson Wood captures a pivotal moment in World War I naval history—the formidable HMS London cutting through the waves in 1914, proudly escorting the British Expeditionary Force as they set sail for France.

However, this painting is more than just a depiction of a warship—it’s a window into the early career of a young naval officer who would rise to Vice-Admiral Sir Edmund Walter Anstice. As a midshipman aboard HMS London in 1914, Anstice witnessed firsthand the ship’s crucial role in safeguarding British troops on their way to war, an experience that would shape his distinguished naval career.

The History Behind HMS London (1914)
HMS London, a Formidable-class pre dreadnought battleship, was a symbol of Britain’s naval power at the outbreak of WWI. Tasked with escorting the British Expeditionary Force, the ship played a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of troops to the Western Front—a mission that marked the beginning of Britain's engagement in the Great War.

Among her crew was Midshipman Edmund Walter Anstice, a young naval officer whose journey aboard HMS London was just the beginning of a remarkable career that would later see him rise to the rank of Vice-Admiral. His time on this mighty warship was a formative experience, placing him at the heart of Britain’s naval operations in one of history’s most defining conflicts.

Frank Watson Wood – A Master of Maritime Art
Renowned for his precision and ability to bring naval scenes to life, Frank Watson Wood was celebrated for capturing the essence of maritime power and movement in his watercolour paintings. This piece perfectly illustrates HMS London’s presence at sea—its billowing smokestacks, powerful silhouette, and the turbulent waters beneath—transporting the viewer to a defining moment in history.

This artwork is not just a stunning naval scene—it’s a historical artifact, visually narrating the early wartime experience of a future Vice-Admiral and paying tribute to the Royal Navy’s crucial role in shaping the events of World War I.

Provenance labels verso J F Prowse of Plymouth, Private Scottish collection, Scottish Auction, Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & Exhibited Famous Lord Hill Museum.

Hanging thread on the back ready for immediate wall display.

Browse our other exciting Fine Arts, antiques & collectibles available in our shop gallery.


Dimensions in centimetres of the frame

High (44 cm)
Wide (53 cm)
Depth (2 cm) See less