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'Pier Head, 1908' by Charles Cockerham (active about 1900-1935)

Oil on canvas

This atmospheric canvas catches the scene off Liverpool's Pier Head with the Wallasey ferry Daffodil making her way across the river as the sun is setting. To the far left there is a Harrison line vessel, with other ferries further south. Astern of the liner a topsail trading schooner is heading out to sea. A barque-rigged vessel, with a tug alongside, is visible to the far right.

It is possible to pick out some of Liverpool's most famous landmarks in the painting, including St Nicholas' church behind the liner, the Albert Dock buildings astern of the ferry and in the centre the Port of Liverpool Building, headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.

The iron paddle steamer Daffodil was built in 1906. With her sister Iris she was requisitioned by the Admiralty and took part in the Zeebrugge raid of April 1918. After the war she returned to the Mersey and served until 1934.