British Sailor's Woolwork of Named HMS Atalanta Coming Into Port

Details

Description

Large and Historically Significant Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Atalanta,
British,
Circa 1880.

This large and impressive sailor's woolwork, or "woolie," … Read more Large and Historically Significant Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Atalanta,
British,
Circa 1880.

This large and impressive sailor's woolwork, or "woolie," is a richly colored and wonderfully charming folk art depiction of a named Royal Navy ship with a tragic history.

The detailed portside view shows the three-masted frigate HMS Atalanta under full sail as she enters port, a lighthouse just coming into view off her bow. The anonymous artist has included delightful details, such as a large anchor on the ship's side and a clear depiction of the galley at the bow. In a highly unusual artistic choice, the sails are each meticulously edged in wool, creating a remarkable sense of depth and texture. The ship sails upon a dynamic green sea, suggesting the mingling of waters from an estuary, beneath a vivid blue sky streaked with white clouds. The vessel correctly flies the White Ensign from the stern and a long white commissioning pennant from her mainmast.

Below the ship, her name is stitched: "HMS Atlanta." This poignant misspelling offers a direct connection to the creator, likely a sailor who knew the ship's name by its pronunciation rather than its formal spelling.

This inscription allows the work to be dated with near certainty to the ship's final, fateful years. Launched in 1844 as HMS Juno, the frigate was renamed HMS Atalanta in January 1878. Serving as a training ship, she tragically disappeared with all hands in a storm after setting sail from Bermuda in early 1880. This woolwork is therefore a rare and moving tribute to a lost vessel, created by a sailor during its brief, final commission. Today, one of the few tangible relics of the ship is its figurehead, held in the collection of the Royal Museums, Greenwich.

The wool is within a large gilt wood frame and slip.

Dimensions: 24 inches high x 33 ¾ inches wide x 3 inches deep.

Museum UV Glass to significantly reduce reflection and protection from light.

(Ref: NY10881-cnrr) See less