Skating on the Serpentine 1838 George Washington Wilson London's docklands have always been

London's docklands have always been a key part of the city

Alex Schneiderman's exclusive photographs reveal the human element behind contemporary art

The painting was exhibited at the British Institution in 1825

Watercolour and pen drawing

Skating on the Serpentine 1838 George Washington Wilson London's docklands have always beenSkating on the Serpentine. Oil on canvas. Crowd of skaters are shown enjoying themselves on the frozen Serpentine. A couple of coaches and three horseback riders are seen on the right bank. In the foreground is a low table with an array of skates. Three men are shown in the foreground, one is seating in an improvised cabin. They are seen being fitted up for skating. To their left is a man in overcoat marked ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY, he is a 'lifeguard'.