Duggleby Auctioneers presents an exceptional maritime artwork by Alexander Harwood (1851-1922), a renowned British artist. The watercolour and gouache painting titled "Nil Desperandum - Ship's Portrait" showcases a detailed depiction of the 140-ton screw steamer built at Cook, Welton and Gemmell's Hull shipyard in 1889. This historic piece, signed and dated 1911, measures 32cm x 48cm.
"Nil Desperandum" sailed out of Hull for 24 years under the ownership of the Humber Steam Trawling Company before being acquired by the Progress Steam Trawling Company of Scarborough in 1913. An unfortunate event unfolded in September 1916, when a German submarine attacked a fleet of trawlers, including the "Nil Desperandum," fishing off the Yorkshire Coast. While nineteen boats were sunk by gunfire, the "Nil Desperandum" had a bomb placed in the engine room. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident had a profound impact on the Scarborough trawling fleet, leading to the suspension of all fishing operations off the Yorkshire coast.
Painted in 1911, two years before the ship's transfer to Scarborough, this artwork captures the "Nil Desperandum" in its original Humber Steam Trawling colours, bearing a Hull fishing registration. A poignant representation of a vessel with a rich history, this painting offers a glimpse into the maritime heritage of the early 20th century.