Name/TitleAn Epic of the Mersey: Emile Delmar, 1928
About this objectWilliam McDowell was born in Barrow-in-Furness and became an apprentice at Vickers shipbuilding yard. Whilst working in the drawing office he was a member of the Institute of Naval Architects until moving to Wallasey in 1928. He became a full time artist, publishing several books, researching historic vessels as well as painting murals on ships such as the Mauretania.
The painting records an incident in the early hours of 24th November 1928 when all but one of the French steamer Emile Delmas crew were saved by New Brighton lifeboat, the William and Kate Johnson. During the hazardous six hour rescue the Chief Engineer was washed overboard and drowned. The lifeboat crew received gold, silver, bronze medals and cash rewards in recognition of their bravery.
The William and Kate Johnson was launched in 1923 and served until 1950 as New Brighton's lifeboat, saving 248 lives. The boat has been fully restored and now cruises around the coast and in Europe.
Transferred 1984 from Wallasey Town Hall.
MakerMcDowell, William
Medium and Materialsmedium: oil
support: canvas
Measurementssupport: height: 151.8 cm, support: width: 101.5 cm, support: depth: cm
