Loading under arc light, by WL Wyllie.

Loading under arc light.

Repro ID: PW1957

Description: The lightermen conveyed goods between the ships and the quayside. They took their name from this process of 'lightening' the ship. The lightermen secured the 'free water clause' allowing them to be exempted from charges in the enclosed docks that were built during the 19th century. They were thus able to enter the docks and receive or deliver goods directly to or from vessels. This scene depicts the loading of coal lighters at the Royal Albert Dock.

Creator: William Lionel Wyllie

Date: 20th century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London. Wyllie Collection