This is a framed oil painting on canvas, showing the mouth of the River Trym where it joins the Avon. The rivers are at high tide and the Avon is busy with ships and steam packets making their way to 'Kingroad' (the setting off point near Avonmouth).

This area was once the site of a Roman port (numerous coins and pot sherds have been found here). In the 18th century it became a dock comprising a floating harbour (built 1712) which enabled the unloading of goods from ships onto barges to avoid the difficult navigation along the Avon to Bristol. The dock had limited success and by 1766 was falling into disuse.

To the left, there is a stretch of what is now Sea Mills Lane with well-dressed figures standing near to two prominent houses, and, beyond, there is a wall leading to some ruined riverside warehouses and/or dwellings.

Joseph Walter (1783-1856) was an English marine painter in oils and watercolour, working at Bristol and Portishead. He gained notice for his portrayals of Brunel''s steamships Great Western and Great Britain.