HMS HOOD UNDERWAY AFTER SUNSET, 1921

Although the precise location of this scene cannot be identified for certain, it appears to be off Plymouth breakwater, the outer bastion to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport. The time of day is not in doubt: its well after sunset, the moon is climbing steadily and the world’s largest warship is at sea. Up on the battle cruiser’s compass platform Captain Mackworth is sitting in his hard upright wooden chair, binoculars around his neck whilst his Chief Yeoman of Signals shows him the latest batch of signals to be received, all clipped to a varnished wooden clipboard on which has been beautifully painted by the ‘Chippy Shop’ the ships crest, a black chough and foul anchor. The top signal says that the King’s Harbour Master has confirmed the anchor berth….

Because of her beauty, her fame and her sheer presence Frank Wood was to paint many watercolours of HOOD during her career and his, and this one was commissioned by Commander Brock shortly after he had handed over as the squadron navigating officer and moved on to a further appointment. This watercolour duly passed to his son who has very generously allowed Maritime Prints & Originals to add it to the collection.