Depicting a past great storm

THIS engraved and hand-coloured print was donated to the city’s art collection in 2007 and was created from an original painting by an artist called WJ Huggins.

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It is titled ‘The Aftermath of the Great Storm’ and according to its dedication shows ‘the disastrous situation of 23 sail of MERCHANT-MEN in Deadman’s Bay and Catwater, PLYMOUTH, as they actually appeared on the third day after the tremendous GALE of 23 Novr 1824.

The print was published on November 1, 1825, and lists Huggins as a ‘Marine Painter, Printseller and Publisher.

William John Huggins (1781-1845) was a British artist who won royal patronage for his work. Little is known of his early life, but by 1812 he was at sea and in 1814 he travelled to India and China, making many drawings of ships and landscapes during the voyage. He settled in Leadenhall Street in London (most likely at number 105).