Ships dates from after 24 July 1887. It was drawn on a letter from William Henry Hurlbert (1827-1895) to Whistler dated 24 July 1887, in which Hurlbert wrote:

'I hope you had a charming time & have brought back "the British fleet a-riding at anchor, And Admiral Lord Nelson K C B E!' 1

The fiftieth anniversary of the coronation of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) was celebrated in 1887. Jubilee celebrations included a Naval Review at Spithead on 23 July. Whistler as President of the Society of British Artists was invited to attend. During the day he made twelve etchings, the 'Jubilee Set', as well as a watercolour and pencil sketches.

Ships, Glasgow University Library

It is catalogued in MacDonald 1995 (cat. rais.) [more] (cat. no. 1143).