Old Billingsgate

George Henry Andrews (1816-1898) was a British agricultural engineer, illustrator, and watercolourist. His artistic career began when he accompanied Richard W.H. Howard-Vyse on an archaeological expedition to Egypt, serving both as engineer and eventually illustrator for Howard-Vyse’s subsequent three-volume Operations Carried on at the Pyramids of Gizeh (London, 1840-42). Back in England, Andrews worked as a book illustrator as well as for The Illustrated London News and The Graphic, and he joined the Old Watercolour Society, exhibiting regularly from 1840. As the Royal Navy Artist, Andrews joined the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) on an extensive tour of North America and Canada in 1860.

As a watercolour artist, Andrews specialised in landscapes and marine subjects. In this, he was following an established tradition of marine landscapes that emphasised Britain’s naval history and connection to the sea. Andrews’ numerous voyages provided him with first-hand knowledge of ships and experience of the sea and changing weather conditions, which was considered necessary to succeed as a marine artist.

Old Billingsgate is a busy harbour scene with an entangled network of numerous sails, masts, ropes, and figures. Billingsgate Fish Market was the world’s largest fish market in the 1800s, and Andrews gives a sense of the scale through the cut off boats and buildings on either side of the composition, suggesting they continue far beyond the picture’s limited space. The hectic loading and unloading of cargo is balanced by the calm waters that seem to gently rock the tied-down fishing boats.

Further reading:

Mallalieu, H.L. (1986), The Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists up to 1920: Volume I – The Text, 2nd edition, Suffolk: Antique Collectors’ Club.