Studies of a naval vessel offshore with an observation balloon, tugs and other vessels RMG PV3499, William Lionel Wyllie, 1918

Studies of a naval vessel offshore with an observation balloon, tugs and other vessels two studies on a single sheet. The top drawing is of a p-class patrol boat, of which 44 were built between 1915 and 1918, all operating only in home waters. In mid-1918 several were equipped to tow a kite (observation) balloon, as depicted here off a coastline, so the drawing must date from the last few months of the first world war. The bottom drawing shows two destroyers of different classes in the distance and three steam launches approaching in starboard-bow view. Both drawings were probably done in the portsmouth area. Date: 1918. Dimensions: 253 mm x 354 mm. Collection: Fine art.