Fine Gouache of the Fanny Buller Trading Ship off the Italian Coast in Starboard Tack

A 19th century Gouache of the Fanny Buller sailing off of the Italian coast line with Mount Vesuvius in the background. Launched in 1859 and owned by John Marshall of Looe, Fanny Buller was registered in Plymouth and operated primarily from that port as an international cattle trade ship. References in the newspapers record her travelling to and from Venice and Messina and latterly to Corunna and it was on a voyage back from that port in April of 1874 that she was sunk with the loss of 7 crew and 75 head of cattle. West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 11th of February 1859 SHIP LAUNCH AT LOOE. On Thursday the 3rd instant, a fine ship, built by Messrs. Henry Shapcott and Son, of East Looe, was launched from the beach at Churchend. About four o’clock, large parties of visitors began to pour into the town, and on arriving at the beach the beautiful mould of the ship excited general admiration. It had been arranged that the ceremony of christening should be performed by Mrs. Pole Carew, whose maiden name the ship was to receive, but other engagements prevented both Mr. and Mrs. Pole Carew from being present. Mr. and Mrs. Buller, the Rev. J. B. Kitson and Mrs. Kitson, Mr. and Mrs. Peel, the Rev. P. Bush and Mrs. Bush took their places on the platform under the bows of the vessel. The launching ways extended 400 feet down the beach. At half-past five o’clock the shores were knocked away, when Mrs. Kitson dashed the bottle at the vessel, exclaiming “May success attend the ‘Fanny Buller.’” The ship glided beautifully into the sea, amidst the cheers of the spectators, and presented a very swan-like appearance as she sat on the smooth water. The weather was all that could be desired, and the spectacle afforded satisfaction to all who were so fortunate as to witness it. A set of Captain Marryatt’s signal flags was presented by Mr. Pole Carew, and a full length figure-head by Mr Buller, of Morvah. John Marshall was an important ship owner in Cornwall during this period and owned several other merchant vessels. Another reference to the Fanny Buller was made in the newspapers in 1865, the captain and crew being awarded compensation for their part in the salvage of a vessel named The Dazzler earlier that year. The captain received £150 with a further £150 to be split amongst the rest of his crew. Marshall, as owner, also received £100. This is all recorded in the Shields Daily Gazette 6th of February 1865.