Sign In

The Experimental Squadron, 1845. Complete Set of Three Hand-Colored Lithographs by Day & Haghe after J.M. Gilbert.

A complete set of three hand-colored lithographs depicting the British Royal Navy’s Experimental Squadron of 1845, published in London by R. A. Grove on January 1, 1846, under the special patronage of Queen Victoria. The views were drawn by marine painter J.M. Gilbert and lithographed by Louis Haghe of Day & Haghe, Lithographers to the Queen.

The Experimental Squadron cruises of 1845 were part of a formal Admiralty trial to compare the performance of different hull designs, rigging systems, and methods of propulsion, particularly the effectiveness of sail versus the emerging technology of steam. The effort reflected growing urgency within the Royal Navy to adapt its line-of-battle tactics and shipbuilding policy to the technological changes of the mid-nineteenth century.

Each lithograph, numbered in the upper margin, records a stage of the squadron’s departure from Spithead on July 15, 1845:

• Plate I shows Queen Victoria aboard the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert arriving under steam, saluted by escort vessels and surrounded by small pleasure craft and yachts. The composition captures the ceremonial atmosphere of the Queen’s involvement in naval affairs.

• Plate II depicts the squadron forming up at anchor, with ships dressed overall and signal flags flying from nearly every yardarm. The variety of vessels—sailing ships, paddle steamers, and early screw-driven ships—illustrates the transitional nature of the fleet.

• Plate III presents the departure of the squadron under sail and steam, led by the three-decker Queen. The composition emphasizes the contrast between the traditional sailing line-of-battle ships and the plumes of smoke trailing from the steam-powered auxiliaries.

As a visual record of a pivotal moment in naval engineering, just years before the widespread adoption of screw propulsion and ironclads, the series holds lasting documentary value.