The Sailing Ship 'Anne' Leaving the River Tyne, 1859 (oil on canvas)

The ship 'Anne' is shown about to start the trading journey she made to the Mediterranean in 1859; She has been towed from the River Tyne by a steam paddle-tug; Now, she has to 'hove to' - the two large sails are set at angles so that they blow in opposite directions, keeping her still; Her owner, Henry Milvain, may be in the group of people in the rowing boat, returning to port; It was usual to have a farewell party on board before long sea journeys; Two sailors are up the masts removing the gaskets (ties) from the sails so they can be unfurled and set; She is flying the Blue Peter flag from the foremast, showing she is preparing to go to sea;