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'Laying the foundation stone of Birkenhead Docks 23 October 1844' by Henry Frederick Oakes (1818-1849)

Oil on canvas, 67.5cm x 107cm

This busy scene shows the laying of the foundation stone for the Birkenhead Docks on 23 October 1844. The view is looking north up the Mersey with the Liverpool shore on the far right. In the centre of the painting are two wooden jetties, at the far end of which the foundation stone is being lower to the ground. The foundation stone was actually laid by Sir Philip Egerton, MP for South Cheshire, following a procession through the town.

Unfortunately the action is so distant that no real detail can be seen. However a general air of celebration pervades the painting. Lines of flags have been strung to the jetties, a large crowd of people is gathered on the shore, and there is a line of people waving large flags. Off shore are two groups of paddle steamers crowded with other onlookers, some of them standing on the paddle boxes for a better view.