Calm- destroyers and a scout cruiser (HMS 'Foresight' or 'Forward') RMG PW1233, William Lionel Wyllie, circa 1914

Calm: destroyers and a scout cruiser (hms 'foresight' or 'forward') inscribed by the artist, 'fearless', under the three-funnelled scout cruiser, third from left. The three destroyers look like l-class vessels of 1913-14 (from the 4-inch gun between the funnels). The cruiser is mistakenly identified by wyllie, since the 'fearless' had four funnels and a raised forecastle, and is in fact either the 'foresight' or 'forward' (both 1904). Assuming the drawing is dated to about 1914-15, the fact that the destroyers are shown with three yards on the foremast is unusual and lacking explanation. The boats may be taking captains to the cruiser for a meeting, since it would be the flagship of the group. Date: circa 1914. Dimensions: 133 mm x 459 mm. Collection: Fine art.