Grand Sailor’s Woolwork of the Tea Clipper Fiery Cross

Details

Description

Racing the Wind: A Grand Sailor’s Woolwork of the Tea Clipper Fiery Cross
Circa 1875

This impressive large-scale sailor's woolwork … Read more Racing the Wind: A Grand Sailor’s Woolwork of the Tea Clipper Fiery Cross
Circa 1875

This impressive large-scale sailor's woolwork presents a detailed port-side view of the Fiery Cross, one of the most celebrated and consistent tea clippers of the mid-Victorian era. The vessel is depicted under sail as she makes her approach toward land, capturing her elegant lines and racing pedigree. She proudly displays her company house flag on the foremast and a series of identifying signal flags off the stern, positioned just above a vibrant Red Ensign.

In the background, a signaling station on a point of land flies its own set of maritime flags, further grounding the scene in a specific nautical narrative. The composition is crowned by a stylized sun shining over a light blue sea, which is meticulously rendered with rows of small white crests to suggest a brisk, favoring breeze.

The work is preserved within a maple frame and protected by Museum UV Glass to safeguard the delicate wool fibers and provide superior clarity.

Dimensions
20 1/2 inches (52.07 cm) High
28 1/4 inches (71.76 cm) Wide
1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) Deep

Condition Report
The woolwork is in excellent condition, with the colors remaining remarkably bright and the tension of the yarns well-preserved. The maple frame retains its warm patina and is fitted with Museum UV Glass to significantly reduce reflections and prevent light damage.

Historical Context

The Fiery Cross was a preeminent British tea clipper, celebrated for her remarkable speed and consistent success during the mid-Victorian era. Built in circa 1860 by William Chaloner of Liverpool for the Glasgow shipowner John Campbell, she was the second vessel to bear the name, following her predecessor which was lost on the eponymous Fiery Cross Reef earlier that same year.

Designed by the esteemed William Rennie, the 1860 Fiery Cross was a wooden-hulled vessel crafted just before the industry pivoted toward composite construction. She became one of the most famous clippers of her day, famously securing the premium for the first ship home in four tea seasons between 1861 and 1865.

Her most storied exploit occurred during the Great Tea Race of 1866, one of the most thrilling maritime contests in history. Although she ultimately finished fourth, arriving in London less than 48 hours after the leaders, she had held the lead for much of the early race and recorded the best 24-hour run of the entire fleet, covering an impressive 318 miles at an average of 13.7 knots.

As the era of sail waned, her rig was reduced to a barque, and she was eventually sold to Norwegian owners in 1887 before being taken out of service in circa 1893. Her legacy is often captured in maritime folk art, particularly in the intricate "sailor’s woolies" created by the men who admired her graceful lines and racing history.

(Ref: NY11102-iprr) See less