Thames Warehouses
1859Etching on Asian paper
K.38 (1st state of 2)
Gift of Dr J.A. McCallum, 1939
Hunterian Art Gallery, GLAHA 46727
After Whistler had pulled proofs, Auguste Delātre printed the Thames etchings in London. This is an early impression. The narrow format emphasizes a panoramic view of Wapping docks from Thames Tunnel Pier. Whistler usually drew directly from nature, and the printed view appears reversed. Words had to be etched back-to-front, for legibility when printed. 'SMITH & SON', coal merchants, were based at Hermitage Coal Wharf, as was the London and Edinburgh Shipping Company.