SCOTT, Samuel
(b. ca. 1702, London, d. 1772, Bath)

The Thames at Westminster Bridge with Barges

1746
Oil on canvas, 100 x 190 cm
Private collection

This view of London shows Westminster from the Lambeth shore. From left to right can be seen Westminster Abbey, with one of the towers designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor under scaffolding, Westminster Hall, and the Tower of St Margaret's Church which is flying the Royal Standard. Further to the right the Banqueting Hall is clearly visible, as well as the newly completed Westminster Bridge, and in the foreground the barge of the Ironmongers Company rows downstream accompanied by a number of smaller rowing boats.

The occasion depicted here is the rehearsal for the Lord Mayor's Procession, an annual ceremony held in November in which the newly elected Mayor was rowed downstream to be sworn in before the Barons of the Exchequer at Westminster Hall.

The painting is signed and dated lower left on driftwood: S Scott 1746.