York Water Gate and the Adelphi from the River, by Moonlight

The topographical painter Henry Pether is best known for his moonliight scenes. This moon-lit view of the Strand waterfront looks north-eastwards and shows Somerset House, Waterloo Bridge, St. Bride's spire and, in the distance, St. Paul's Cathedral. In the foreground is York Water Gate with the Adelphi wharves and the Royal Terrace beyond. A number of barges and rowing boats are depicted in the right foreground.

On the foreshore two mudlarks, as they were known, are seen gathering together loot washed up by the tide. Coal, rope, old iron and copper nails were among their treasure. Often as young as six or seven, mudlarks could expect to average about threepence a day by selling their gains to rag shops.