British, 1947, HMS Vanguard Aground at Spice Island, Portsmouth – Framed Aerial Photograph

*British, 1947, HMS Vanguard Aground at Spice Island, Portsmouth – Framed Aerial Photograph*

A black-and-white aerial photograph depicting the Royal Navy battleship HMS Vanguard (23) aground off Spice Island, Portsmouth, after her tug lines snapped during manoeuvres in August 1947. The image vividly captures the immense scale of the ship as she lies beam-on to the quay, surrounded by tugs and crowds of onlookers gathered along the waterfront. Presented in a period wood-framed mount with black and gilt border, glazed, and retaining its original framer’s label to verso: J & M Picture Frames, Hayling Island.

Measurements: Frame: approx. 45 cm × 37.5 cm

Historical Note:
HMS Vanguard, completed in 1946, was the Royal Navy’s last and largest battleship, designed to carry 15-inch guns originally built for the battlecruisers Courageous and Glorious. During post-war trials and port visits she grounded briefly at Spice Island, Portsmouth Harbour, when towing cables parted—an incident well documented in contemporary newspapers. She later served as flagship to the Home Fleet and in 1947 carried King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and the Princesses on the Royal Tour to South Africa. Vanguard was scrapped in 1960, marking the end of Britain’s battleship era.

*Condition*
Photograph and mount in very good vintage condition, with minor age toning under glass. Frame with light edge wear and some water staining to backing paper, stable and display-ready. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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