Title: Natal from the sea – paddle tug pioneer off port natal
Medium: Watercolour
Signed and dated 1866
Unframed: 23cm x 47cm
Framed: 64cm x 87cm
In 1843 there were 900 steam vessels in the British fleet. The 1st ship owned by Cape Merchants, The Hope, had a noticeably short life and struck a reef near Cape St. Francis on route from Algoa Bay to Table Bay in 1838.
The gradual change from sail to steam was crucial for the development of a modern society. The number one reason for this focus on steam ships was the necessity of mail from England reaching South Africa quicker. It took between 40 to 50 days for mail to reach the Cape by bote. With the iron paddle-steamer, Pottinger, it took only 34 days (Pama 1977:36).
The painting, Natal from the sea – paddle tug pioneer off port Natal, was a celebration on this much needed progress with regards to newer maritime technology.
