'Torpedo attack v. Electrick light'- illustration for the 'Idler' magazine RMG PV1033, William Lionel Wyllie, circa 1879

'torpedo attack v. Electrick light': illustration for the 'idler' magazine inscribed by the artist, 'torpedo attack v. Electrick light', lower right. The received information that it was for the 'idler' may be another inscription on the back [tbc]. The sketch represents an exercise in which a simulated attack by torpedo boats wasmade on vessels protected by the guns of fort monckton, in stokes bay, just west of portsmouth. In 1879 there was such an exercise, reported in the 'illustrated london news' of 25 october that year. The fort was named after general sir robert monckton, governor of portsmouth in 1779 when its construction commenced: in 1879 it was equipped with various experimental lights including limelight, wilde's electric light and early searchlights. This item and pae1034, showing the same event, are early examples of work wyllie did as an illustrator. Date: circa 1879. Dimensions: 65 mm x 307 mm. Collection: Fine art.