Charles Dixon (BRITISH, 1872-1934)
S.Y. 'Argonaut' leaving Marseilles
Signed and dated 'Charles Dixon '09' (lower left) and inscribed as per title
Watercolour and gouache heightened with bodycolour
11 x 18½in. (28 x 47cm.)

Built by Greens of Blackwall, London in 1878, registered at over 3,000 tons and originally named Norfolk, by 1898 she was sold to her fifth owner, the Co-operative Cruising Co. Ltd and fitted as a luxury steam yacht named Argonaut. On the 29th September 1908 she was struck around 8.30am by the cargo steamer Kingswell whilst steaming off Dungeness, Kent. Kingswell promptly beached herself, but Argonaut was less lucky. Many passengers were at breakfast and, with the ship clearly mortally wounded, a text book evacuation was performed with passengers calmly getting into lifeboats with the crew, stewards and Captain the last to leave as water began washing under the bridge on the upper deck. As the crew were now unemployed, a passenger fund was raised and the Co-operative Cruising Company made them a gift of £1 each. The Kingswell foundered fourteen months later off Cape Matapan.

Condition Report
Fine condition, light scratches in sea, lower right.

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.