The Experimental Brigs. H. M. Brig Espiegle 12 Guns

Object summary

Title: The Experimental Brigs. H. M. Brig Espiegle 12 Guns
Object ID: CC-F-0187
Date made: 1844
Place made: United Kingdom, England, England, London; United Kingdom, Portsmouth, Portsmouth
Publisher: Ackermann & Co.; Foster, William
Printmakers: Day & Haghe
Lithographer: Vernon, Henry John
Object type: Lithograph
Major collection: Nautical
Named collection: Arthur H. Clark Collection
On view: No

Description

In September 1844, a group of five of the newest brigs, called the Experimental Squadron, were brought together to conduct sailing trails to test their new ship designs against the older ships, such as the 'Cruiser' (1828), the 'Pantaloon' (1831), and the 'Waterwitch' (1837), which were then considered the Navy's best performing designs. Under the Captain Armar Lowry Corry, 14 runs were made under varying conditions, and a detail report produced. The results were inconclusive. However, the newer designs were generally considered improvements.

The ships in the lithograph are identified as part of the Experimental Squadron by the text at the top. The 'Flying Fish' and the 'Daring' are to the left and right of the 'Espiegle' respectively. Men wearing blue-colored jumpsuits climb the masts of the 'Espiegle' and 'Daring.'