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Notes
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The SS ‘Inchgarvie’, of 2,672 gross register tonnage, was built at Low Walker on the Tyne in 1882 for the Inch Shipping Co. of Liverpool, whose funnel livery and house-flag she is wearing in this painting. From her triatic stay (rigging between the masts) she is flying the four flags W. V. T. N. of her identification hoist in the Commercial Code of Signals in force at the date of the painting. At her bow is what would correctly be a Union flag within a white border. When flown in that position it constituted the so-called Merchant Jack, effectively little more than decorative proof of her British nationality, as also indicated by the Red Ensign flag on her aft. However, when flown at the head of the foremast the Union flag within a white border becomes the Pilot Jack.
Instead of a Pilot Jack at her foremast head, ‘Inchgarvie’ appears to be flying the signal letter 'P', which is more famously known as the Blue Peter. This was hoisted by ships preparing to sail, letting passengers and crew onshore know it was time to board and leave port.
Title
SS 'Inchgarvie'
Date
1884
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 63.3 x W 99.7 cm
Accession number
SM 2006.1.2
Acquisition method
bequeathed
Work type
Painting