Dreadnought and Thames below Reading
The Dreadnought and Thames below Reading, mid to late nineteenth century, Unknown artist, REDMG: 2020.24.1, gift. Copyright: the artist. Photo: Reading Museum, Reading Borough Council
The artist is unknown but Reading Museum has a watercolour by Charles R. Havell (1827–1892), first headmaster of Reading School of Art, which is similar and there may be a link between them.
This painting spent many years hanging above the bar in The Dreadnought pub and its condition reflects this – note the hole in the chimney of the building. There are a number of historic home-made repairs to both the painting and the frame including bracing with old locks and sticking plaster patches.
The view of the Thames below Reading was a popular one. The water meadows stretch towards Sonning in the distance and Holme Park provides a focus in the distance.
The Dreadnought is still on Dreadnought Reach but has long been empty. The water meadows remain, frequently flooding, but areas to the right in the painting were built over by Thames Valley Park.
