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'Number 6 pilot sloop Irlam' by Samuel Walters (1811-1882)

Oil on canvas, 68.5cm x 98cm

This painting of the number 6 pilot sloop 'Irlam' is one of the most detailed portraits of a pilot vessel, providing valuable evidence of the equipment and layout of a pilot boat of this period. She is shown off the north Wirral coast on station awaiting vessels inward bound for Liverpool.

The pilot boat fills the centre of the foreground of the canvas providing a very detailed view of the vessel. On board are eight pilots in their top hats and other crew can be seen in relaxed poses on the look out for approaching shipping. She flies the blue peter, indicating she has pilots available, and a small square flag inscribed '6' at her masthead. She tows a small punt used for placing pilots on boat ship.

'Irlam', named after the Lancashire village, was built in 1831. Although described as a sloop she is almost identical to the vessels termed cutters, though there may be some variation in hull design, the cutter being proportionately narrower and deeper. At one time sloops had bowsprits which could be withdrawn, as opposed to the fixed one of the cutter. Unlike modern usage, both terms include vessels with two head sails. 'Irlam' was sold out of the pilotage service in 1852 and was wrecked when driven ashore near Warren Point, Northern Ireland, later that year.

This is one of Walters' most accomplished early paintings when he has developed his handling of the sea and there are indications of the creamy coloured sea, which is very characteristic of his work in the mid and late 1830s.