{"product_id":"painting-hmy-victoria-albert-i-first-royal-steam-yacht-off-osborne-house-in-the-manner-of-nicholas-condy","title":"Painting HMY Victoria \u0026 Albert I First Royal Steam Yacht off Osborne House in the Manner of Nicholas Condy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBritish School, Early Victorian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe First Royal Steam Yacht off Osborne House, Circa 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHMY Victoria and Albert in the Solent | Documented 19th-Century Marine Watercolour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Historically compelling portrayal of HMY Victoria and Albert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Depicts Britain’s first steam-powered royal yacht before her renaming as Osborne.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Osborne House is visible above the wooded East Cowes shoreline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Crowded foreground boats create the atmosphere of a regatta or ceremonial review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Fine early Victorian watercolour draughtsmanship throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Stylistically associated with the marine tradition of Nicholas Matthews Condy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Two original 1989 research letters accompany the painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Documentation originates from the National Maritime Museum and Royal Archives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Cardiff and Mid Glamorgan private provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Newly framed with a gold-bordered mount and anti-reflective Artglass AR 70.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal history, early steam technology and the maritime culture of the Solent come together in this finely detailed early Victorian watercolour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHMY Victoria and Albert moves through the water in commanding broadside profile, surrounded by rowing boats, cutters and sailing yachts filled with spectators. Above the trees at the left stands Osborne House, the private seaside residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unusually busy water suggests an organised maritime occasion, possibly a regatta, squadron gathering or naval review. Whatever the precise event, the painting records the royal yacht as the centre of public attention during the formative years of Britain’s steam-powered monarchy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Unidentified British marine painter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchool: British School\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle: In the manner of Nicholas Matthews Condy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: HMY Victoria and Albert off Osborne House\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Watercolour on paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Unsigned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: The Solent, off East Cowes, Isle of Wight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDocumentation: National Maritime Museum and Royal Archives correspondence, 1989\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Decorative gilt Larson-Juhl moulding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlazing: Artglass AR 70\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe royal yacht occupies the central horizontal axis, giving the composition clarity and stability despite the activity surrounding her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer dark hull, projecting paddle boxes, three masts and single funnel are carefully differentiated. Smoke emerges lightly from the funnel, while the rigging remains precisely drawn against the pale sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumerous small boats populate the foreground. Their tiny passengers introduce colour, scale and human interest, suggesting that local residents and visitors have taken to the water to observe the passing yacht.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSailing vessels and cutters in the middle distance broaden the scene and reinforce the identity of the Solent as one of Britain’s principal centres of recreational and ceremonial sailing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artist uses transparent colour with discipline. Fine lines describe rigging and hull details, while softer blue-grey washes create the water and atmospheric distance. Osborne House is painted economically but remains sufficiently distinct to establish the location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Innovation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHMY Victoria and Albert was designed by Sir William Symonds and launched at Pembroke Dock in April 1843.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt with a wooden hull and steam-driven side paddles, she became the first British royal yacht powered by steam. Her machinery produced approximately 430 horsepower and enabled a maximum speed of around eleven and a half knots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel retained a sailing rig, reflecting a transitional period when steam propulsion was becoming increasingly important but sails remained visually and practically significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQueen Victoria and Prince Albert used the yacht for more than twenty voyages around Britain and to Continental Europe. Her public appearances offered a powerful image of a monarchy embracing contemporary engineering and maritime progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter alteration and lengthening, the yacht was renamed Osborne in 1854. She remained in official service until 1867.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOsborne House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale building visible above the trees is identified as Osborne House, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Italianate residence at East Cowes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate’s coastal position allowed the Royal Family to arrive and depart by water. The surrounding Solent consequently became closely associated with royal yachting, Cowes society and naval ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy including both yacht and residence, the artist creates a particularly complete image of early Victorian royal life. Osborne House anchors the scene geographically, while the steam yacht represents mobility, technology and the public presence of the Crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maritime Gathering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fouled-anchor Admiralty flag appears at the yacht’s mainmast, while a red ensign is flown aft. The Royal Standard does not appear to be present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrespondence from 1989 discusses these details and interprets them as suggesting an Admiralty or reviewing role rather than confirming that Queen Victoria was aboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe density of the surrounding craft indicates an organised or anticipated event. A Cowes regatta, Royal Yacht Squadron occasion or naval review are all plausible possibilities, but the precise gathering remains unidentified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis measured interpretation preserves the historical interest of the scene without assigning it to an undocumented event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNicholas Matthews Condy And The Marine Tradition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNicholas Matthews Condy (1818–1851) was a gifted British marine painter whose works are distinguished by precise ship portraiture, detailed rigging and animated coastal settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorking principally from Plymouth, Condy developed considerable knowledge of naval and private vessels. His paintings frequently combine an accurately observed principal ship with smaller craft and figures that create narrative interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present work is catalogued “in the manner of Nicholas Matthews Condy” because of its technical clarity, broadside composition and lively treatment of the surrounding water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is unsigned and no formal attribution to Condy is asserted. The traditional circa 1852 date also falls immediately after the artist’s death in 1851.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDocumentation And Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMr Dovey, Mid Glamorgan, recorded 1989.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal letter from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, dated 1989.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal correspondence from the Royal Archives, Windsor Castle, dated 1989.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivately exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum as HMY Victoria \u0026amp; Albert off Osborne House – A Royal Yacht in the Solent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate collection, Cardiff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld Rogers Jones \u0026amp; Co. auction label “402” attached to the backboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe correspondence is mounted to the reverse and provides detailed discussion of the vessel’s identity, funnel, after deckhouse and flags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall framed dimensions: 62 cm wide × 52 cm high × 3.5 cm deep\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessionally refitted within a decorative gilt Larson-Juhl frame selected to complement the royal and marine subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA crisp white mount with a narrow gold border echoes the frame while drawing attention towards the watercolour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtglass AR 70 glazing substantially reduces reflections and provides enhanced protection for the paper and pigments during display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quality hanging cord is fitted to the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watercolour presents attractively and remains clearly legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight overall toning and occasional small foxing marks are visible, consistent with the painting’s age and paper support. The colours remain pleasing, particularly across the yacht, small boats and shoreline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo obvious major tears, visible losses or intrusive restoration have been observed through the current glazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recent frame and mount are in excellent presentable condition, with only minimal evidence of handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting has not been removed from its frame for examination. All photographs form part of the condition description and should be reviewed carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional insured delivery is available throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe framed and glazed painting will be carefully protected and securely packaged for transit. Delivery will be tracked and insured wherever available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact us for further shipping information or an international quotation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution And Research Notice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vessel is identified as HMY Victoria and Albert through comparison with documented ship models and plans, supported by the 1989 correspondence from the National Maritime Museum and Royal Archives. The date of circa 1852 is an informed assessment rather than a date recorded on the painting. The identification of Osborne House and the interpretation of the displayed flags similarly reflect the available visual and documentary evidence. The proposed regatta, review or Royal Yacht Squadron context remains unconfirmed and is presented as a historical possibility rather than fact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“In the manner of Nicholas Matthews Condy” describes the painting’s stylistic relationship with Condy’s marine work. It does not claim that the watercolour was painted by Condy or a documented member of his studio. The attribution, dating, subject interpretation and provenance represent the professional, non-guaranteed opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. Further research into the correspondence, vessel configuration or historic Solent events may expand or revise the present catalogue information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56275092111738,"sku":"CAC-SK-0455","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/HMY_Victoria_Albert_off_Osborne_House_First_Royal_Steam_Yacht.jpg?v=1765103991","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/ga-nl\/products\/painting-hmy-victoria-albert-i-first-royal-steam-yacht-off-osborne-house-in-the-manner-of-nicholas-condy","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}