Thames Police

James Abbott McNeill Whistler 1834 - 1903

Summary

This busy quayside scene has a multitude of different details. Running from the left hand side, receding into the distance is a line of brick buildings, all of which vary in size and style. On the left hand side, set slightly back from the rest of the buildings, is a tall brick building labeled ‘Thames Police’. In front of the row of houses is a walkway next to where the masted ships and boats are docked at even intervals. In the foreground on the left a flight of stairs leading down to the boats can be seen and a few smaller boats are pulled up. As well as the crowds of people on the right in the distance there are also four people in the foreground, one working on a boat and the other three standing facing it in the boatyard. The busy atmosphere of the quay is increased by the sketchy style of line-work which creates a sense of movement. In the bottom left hand corner there is the signature ‘Whistler 1859’.