Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton 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

Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, 1930s
3507492 Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, 1930s by Ritchie, Alick Penrose Forbes (1868-1938); (add.info.: Players cigarette card depicting Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet)

New Years Honours (b / w photo)
1615073 New Years Honours (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: New Years Honours. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 8 January 1898)

Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, Bt, KCVO (b / w photo)
3651111 Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, Bt, KCVO (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, Bt, KCVO)

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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Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, a British grocer turned yachtsman, was an iconic figure in the world of sailing. Known for his passion and determination, he left an indelible mark on the sport. The sailing yachts White Heather and Shamrock raced downwind with breathtaking speed and grace. The sight of these majestic vessels cutting through the water was truly awe-inspiring. In 1914, Sir Thomas's Americas Cup challenger Shamrock IV sailed without its topsail, showcasing both his ingenuity and skill as a sailor. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. The cutter Shamrock demonstrated its prowess by beating upwind against strong currents. Crafted by Kirk & Sons of Cowes, this magnificent vessel showcased Sir Thomas's dedication to perfection in every aspect of yacht design. In 1934, the J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia took center stage. Created once again by Kirk & Sons of Cowes, these remarkable vessels epitomized elegance and sophistication on the open seas. Alick P F Ritchie captured Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton's essence in a stunning portrait from 1926. This depiction perfectly encapsulated his charisma and love for sailing that defined him throughout his life. Whether it was close-hauled or beating to windward, the cutter Shamrock always commanded attention on the water. Its sleek lines were a testament to Sir Thomas's unwavering pursuit of perfection in yacht craftsmanship. The launch of Shamrock IV against the backdrop of H. M. S Victory in May 1914 marked another milestone for Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton. It symbolized his relentless pursuit of victory while paying homage to Britain's rich maritime history. Throughout the 1930s, Sir Thomas continued to inspire admiration with his undying passion for sailing. His presence at prestigious events like New Year Honours further solidified his status as one of the greatest yachtsmen of his time.