The paddle steamer 'Ariel', 1831 (oil on canvas)

Creator: Samuel Walters A scene showing shipping on the Wirral, now known as New Brighton, Liverpool. In the background is the Perch Rock Fort and Lighthouse. The paddle steamer in the painting has always been thought to show the ‘Ariel’. Formerly called the ‘Arrow’ she was built in 1821-1822, and went into straight into service at Dover. She was transferred to the mail service in April 1825 and it is possible that she is shown visiting Liverpool between 1825 and 1833, en route for Ireland. The ‘Arrow’ was taken over by the admiralty in 1837 and renamed ‘Ariel’. She continued to be the Dover packet until 1846. The original Caird purchase record for the picture states that, while on the Dover run, 'Ariel' was the vessel which brought over Prince Albert to marry Queen Victoria. The painting is signed and dated ‘Walters and Son 1831’.