The frigate Medusa cruising the English coast with Lord Nelson aboard, August 1801
signed 'Derek G.M. Gardner' (lower left)
pencil, pen, ink and watercolour
10.8 x 19cm (4 1/4 x 7 1/2in).

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EXHIBITED:
London, David Messum Fine Art, Nelson's Ships, a Trafalgar Tribute, 2005, pp. 100-101, illustrated.

Built by Thomas Pitcher at Northfleet, the 32-gun frigate Medusa was ordered in January 1800 and launched on 14th April 1801. Commissioned under Captain John Gore, her first role in August 1801 was to convey Lord Nelson around the south-east coast of England so that Nelson, who had been appointed to command all naval forces from Suffolk to Beachy Head, could inspect ships, shore fortifications and the general state of preparedness for an expected French invasion. Although Nelson only 'flew his flag' in Medusa for a matter of weeks, it nevertheless got the new frigate's service career off to a splendid start. The next year Medusa was sent to the Mediterranean where, on 5th October 1804, she took part in the capture of three hugely valuable Spanish treasure ships off Cadiz which resulted, soon afterwards, in Spain declaring war on England and becoming a reluctant ally of Revolutionary France. Thereafter serving in the East Indies and, later, the operations off the River Plate (1806-07), Medusa was sent back to Home Waters in 1807 where she remained at sea until 1813. After a short spell as a hospital ship at Plymouth, she was broken up at Pembroke Dock in 1816.

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- Marine Pictures & Works of Art

Derek George Montague Gardner(British, 1914-2007)The frigate Medusa cruising the English coast with Lord Nelson aboard, August 1801

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Derek George Montague Gardner (British, 1914-2007)

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Derek George Montague Gardner
(British, 1914-2007)
The frigate Medusa cruising the English coast with Lord Nelson aboard, August 1801