Oil picture. 42 by 33 in.
The annual race for these trophies began on 1 August 1716, the day
of the accession of George I. Strange to say, the name of the first
winner is doubtful, but this portrait is contemporary. He is seated
in his roomy craft; on the river bank are buildings which cannot be
identified.
Doggett, who provided funds for this event, was a well-known actor,
and a keen Hanoverian. The race was originally rowed from the Old
Swan, London Bridge, to the White Swan, Chelsea. One of the most
famous winners was John Broughton, 1730, who was also for many years
champion boxer of England.
_Lent by the Watermans’ Company._