SS La Marguerite And Edgar Tarry Adams's Boat 'Spitfire'', 1898.

A photograph of the 'SS La Marguerite' at sea and a young boy, possibly Francis Norris Adams (1882-1973), standing next to a boat called 'Spitfire', , taken by the boat's owner, Edgar Tarry Adams (1852-1926), on 31 August, 1898. Edgar Tarry Adams' father had encouraged his interest in boats from childhood. Edgar owned three boats including the 'Spitfire', which were kept on the beach at Deal in Kent where the family had a house. Edgar Tarry Adams was a wealthy and dedicated amateur photographer. The owner of a brewery in Halstead, Essex, he was a figure of authority and played a prominent role in local affairs. His interests were many and varied. An accomplished amateur painter and musician, he was also a captain of the local volunteer Fire Brigade and a Lieutenant in the RNVR. Adams first took up photography in the 1880s and carried on taking photographs until after World War One, creating a fascinating social record of his family, friends and interests.