Fisher Harding, master shipwright active 1698-1701 with the launch of the Royal Sovereign 1701.

Fisher Harding, master shipwright active 1698-1701 with the launch of the Royal Sovereign 1701. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: BHC2743

Description: A three-quarter length portrait slightly to left in a mauve gown and russet drapery. He wears a brown full bottomed wig and his right hand rests on a wooden rule whilst he holds a pair of dividers over a draft plan for a ship. He gestures with his left hand towards the launch of the first rate, 'Royal Sovereign', on the left and both the Thames and the buildings of Woolwich are visible behind him. Harding was master shipwright at Deptford, between 1686 and 1705 when he built the First Rate he gestures towards at Woolwich in 1701. He also built the 'Boyne'. Pepys described him as a very slow man, of no learning, authority and countenance.

Creator: Jonathan Richardson

Date: c.1701