Thomas Johnstone Collection

The sailing yachts White Heather and Shamrock, race downwind. Shamrock was designed by William Fife and was Sir Thomas Liptons first challenger for the Americas Cup

Americas Cup challenger Shamrock IV sailing without topsail, 1914. Creator
Americas Cup challenger Shamrock IV sailing without topsail, 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson. She was launched in June 1914

The cutter Shamrock beating upwind. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock beating upwind. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia, 1934. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia, 1934

The majestic cutters White Heather and Shamrock race downwind, 1912. Creator
The majestic cutters White Heather and Shamrock race downwind, 1912

Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, British grocer and yachtsman, 1926. Artist: Alick P F Ritchie
Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, British grocer and yachtsman, 1926. Portrait of Lipton (1848-1931) who created the famous Lipton tea brand and took part in the Americas Cup

The cutter Shamrock beating to windward. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock beating to windward. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled, 1912. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

The launch of Shamrock IV with H. M. S. Victory in the background, May 1914. Creator
The launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport with H.M.S. Victory in the background, May 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson

Thomas Johnstone, (Actor) (engraving)
978593 Thomas Johnstone, (Actor) (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Johnstone, (Actor)

Magnificent group of 1st Class Races: Shamrock V, White Heather and Candida, 1930

The towering 10, 450 sq ft sail area of Shamrock IV, 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The towering 10, 450 sq ft sail area of Shamrock IV, 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson. She was launched in June 1914

The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

Americas Cup challenger Shamrock III. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Americas Cup challenger Shamrock III. The yacht was designed by William Fife, and was built by William Denny and Brothers of Dumbarton, Scotland. The yacht was launched on 1903

The cutter Shamrock beating upwind, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock beating upwind, 1912. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

After launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport with H. M. S. Victory in the background, May 1914
After launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport with H.M.S. Victory in the background, May 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson

The launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport, May 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport, May 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson

Close up of Shamrocks Deck. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Close up of Shamrocks Deck. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup. She was 128 ft overall length and carried 13, 492 sq ft of canvas

Shamrock and White Heather powering to windward, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Shamrock and White Heather powering to windward, 1912

Shamrock, Westward, Britannia, Astria and Velsheda, 1933. Creator
Racing yachts Shamrock, Westward, Britannia, Astria and Velsheda, 1933

The Shamrock and the Columbia racing for the Americas Cup, 1899 (1906). The New York Yacht Clubs Columbia, backed by J P Morgan, defeated the Royal Ulster Yacht Clubs challenger Shamrock

Coffee picking on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Dambutenne, Sri Lanka, 1903. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Coffee picking on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Dambutenne, Sri Lanka, 1903. Stereoscopic slide, detail

Tamil women picking tea on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, 1903. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Tamil women picking tea on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, 1903. Stereoscopic card. Detail

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"Thomas Johnstone: A Legendary Yachtsman and British Grocer" Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, was not only a prominent British grocer but also an esteemed yachtsman who left an indelible mark on the world of sailing. His passion for the sport led him to commission some of the most magnificent vessels in history. The sailing yachts White Heather and Shamrock raced downwind with sheer elegance, showcasing their remarkable speed and agility. In 1914, America's Cup challenger Shamrock IV sailed without its topsail, displaying its unwavering determination to conquer the seas. Kirk & Sons of Cowes were entrusted with creating masterpieces such as the cutter Shamrock, which effortlessly beat upwind against all odds. The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia stood tall in 1934 as testaments to Kirk & Sons' craftsmanship. Captured by artist Alick P F Ritchie in 1926, Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton himself was depicted alongside his beloved yacht. This engraving immortalized his legacy as both a successful businessman and a passionate sailor. Shamrock IV's launch in May 1914 became a historical moment when H. M. S. Victory graced the background, symbolizing victory over adversity. Meanwhile, another Thomas Johnstone made waves - this time as an actor - leaving his own unique imprint on entertainment history. In 1930, a magnificent group of first-class races brought together iconic vessels like Shamrock V, White Heather, and Candida. Their grandeur mesmerized spectators from around the world. One cannot overlook the awe-inspiring sail area of Shamrock IV - towering at an impressive 10, 450 square feet in 1914. Kirk & Sons' expertise shone through once again as they crafted yet another masterpiece that pushed boundaries on open waters.