29th Oct, 2014 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Wizard)
13
[M] THOMAS BUTTERSWORTH (BRITISH, 1768-1842)<br/>The...
The loss of the 'Blenheim', March 1807
Signed 'T Buttersworth' (lower right)
Oil on panel
8 x 10½in. (20 x 26.5cm.)
Ordered in 1755, Blenheim was a 1,827 ton 'Sandwich' Class ship of 90-guns built at Woolwich and launched in 1761, just in time for the final year of the Seven Years' War. Intermittently commissioned thereafter, she served at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent (1797) but was cut down to a 74 in 1801-2. She was serving as flagship to Sir Thomas Troubridge's squadron in 1807, but was by now in alarming condition and required constant pumping just to stay afloat. Troubridge ignored the warnings Captain Bissell gave and, when in March she was sent in Company with the sloop Harrier and frigate Java to sail from Madras to the Cape, Java and Blenheim were separated from Harrier in a gale somewhere east of Mauritius. They were never seen again, nor have any remains been found, but all hands (over 800) were lost including Troubridge, Bissell, Captain Charles Elphinstone (nephew of Admiral the Lord Keith), the midshipmen George, Lord Rosehill (eldest son and heir of Rear-Admiral the Earl of Northesk) and William Henry Courtenay (illegitimate son of the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV). Also lost was former Bounty mutineer James Morrison.
Sold for £1,860
Estimated at £1,000 - £1,500
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
Condition Report
Craqueleur to paint, needs a light clean.
We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.
The loss of the 'Blenheim', March 1807
Signed 'T Buttersworth' (lower right)
Oil on panel
8 x 10½in. (20 x 26.5cm.)
Ordered in 1755, Blenheim was a 1,827 ton 'Sandwich' Class ship of 90-guns built at Woolwich and launched in 1761, just in time for the final year of the Seven Years' War. Intermittently commissioned thereafter, she served at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent (1797) but was cut down to a 74 in 1801-2. She was serving as flagship to Sir Thomas Troubridge's squadron in 1807, but was by now in alarming condition and required constant pumping just to stay afloat. Troubridge ignored the warnings Captain Bissell gave and, when in March she was sent in Company with the sloop Harrier and frigate Java to sail from Madras to the Cape, Java and Blenheim were separated from Harrier in a gale somewhere east of Mauritius. They were never seen again, nor have any remains been found, but all hands (over 800) were lost including Troubridge, Bissell, Captain Charles Elphinstone (nephew of Admiral the Lord Keith), the midshipmen George, Lord Rosehill (eldest son and heir of Rear-Admiral the Earl of Northesk) and William Henry Courtenay (illegitimate son of the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV). Also lost was former Bounty mutineer James Morrison.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Wizard), 29th Oct, 2014
