3-052-756 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Henley Regatta: sketches on the river, 1880. 'Might is Greater than Right; The Real Charm of a Boat Race; Waste Not Want Not; The Toilers and the Spoilers...The most attractive and agreeable event of its kind, if the weather be dry and bright, in these days of cheerful June, is the annual contest of amateur rowers on that noble reach of the river Thames between the bridge of Henley and the islet of Remenham...Below the starting-point of the regatta are several "eyots" or "aits," diminutive islands, overgrown with osiers, and bearing some larger trees, their shores encompassed with rushes and water-loving flowers. Inviting spots may here be found on which to land with one's party of friends, in which there should be at least two charming young ladies...and to unpack the hamper containing pasties or sandwiches, champagne or claret, or whatever is refreshing and tempting to the taste. Boats of various descriptions, with hands that are skilful or those which are clumsy to wield the dipping oars, and steam-launches with commodious saloons, or with small cabins where the sitters are sadly cramped, bring their respective freight of passengers to share the day's amusement. It is a Midsummer festival...which one would like to see again and again'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.