The Little Forge, Lyme Regis dates from between September and November 1995, when Whistler stayed in Lyme Regis, Dorset. 1

The Little Forge, Lyme Regis, The Hunterian

On 17 May 1896 Whistler's sister-in-law, Ethel Whibley (1861-1920), wrote to the London art dealer, David Croal Thomson (1855-1930), asking him to come to Whistler's London studio and 'to send up the little picture of the Forge.' 2

Other Lyme Regis subjects include Rose and Red: The Barber's Shop, Lyme Regis [YMSM 444], The Little Rose of Lyme Regis [YMSM 449] and The Master Smith of Lyme Regis [YMSM 450].