The ship Frances Henty was built in Aberdeen for Henty & Co. Named after Mrs Thomas Henty, née Frances Elizabeth Hopkins (1777–1848), this vessel of 438 tonnes was engaged in the London trade until at least 1869, carrying passengers, gold and wool. The steamer on the right is the Lady Bird, another Henty-owned coastal trader. The focus of the view is thought to be Richmond House, the home of merchant and trader Stephen Henty (1811–1872). Robertson has created not only a painting of ships, but a celebration of Stephen Henty's mercantile achievements.