London Bridge

Frederick Waters Watts was a London-based landscape painter. As a young artist he worked from Hampstead, where he came under the influence of John Constable, who was resident there. Watts is known primarily for his rural landscape in the style of Constable, although he produced several engaging views of the River Thames. The painting depicts a busy scene on the Thames. London Bridge, which is in the middle ground, is lined with people observing the Lord Mayor's barge, which can be seen to the right of the picture. To the left of centre is a clearly visible poster reading: 'VAUXHALL BYTHE RN GREEN Nassau Balloon THIS NIGHT.' This refers to the balloonist Mr. Green and the Nassau Balloon, constructed in 1836 and first named the Royal Vauxhall Balloon. After crossing the Channel in the same year and landing at Weilburg. The balloon made regular ascents at Vauxhall between 1838 and 1841.