Thomas 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

Mr T J Lipton, the Donor of £25, 000 to the Princess of Waless Jubilee Dinner Fund (litho)
1597504 Mr T J Lipton, the Donor of £ 25, 000 to the Princess of Waless Jubilee Dinner Fund (litho) by Herkomer, Hubert von (1849-1914) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr T J Lipton)

Mr Punchs Literary Costume Ball (engraving)
3630228 Mr Punchs Literary Costume Ball (engraving) by Partridge, Bernard (1861-1945) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Punchs Literary Costume Ball)

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

Unloading Erin
An ambulance being unloaded from Sir Thomas Liptons yacht Erin while it was serving as a Red Cross Hospital ship. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Red Cross Ship
September 1915: Sir Thomas Liptons yacht Erin while serving as a Red Cross Hospital ship. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Hospital Ship
September 1915: Sir Thomas Liptons yacht Erin while serving as a Red Cross Hospital ship. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Erin In Dock
September 1915: Sir Thomas Liptons yacht Erin while serving as a Red Cross Hospital ship. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Kings Cutter
28th May 1930: The Kings cutter Britannia during a special Solent Regatta of the Royal Thames Yacht Club arranged for the testing of Sir Thomas Liptons Americas Cup challenger Shamrock V

Sir Thomas J. Lipton Bart Players Cigarette Card by Alick P. F. Ritchie. 1926, Sir Thomas J
Sir Thomas J. Lipton Bart Players Cigarette Card by Alick P.F. Ritchie. 1926, Sir Thomas J. Lipton Bart Players Cigarette Card by Alick P.F. Ritchie

Thomas Lipton, Scottish yachtsman C017 / 7820
Thomas Johnstone Lipton (1848-1931), Scottish yachtsman. Lipton, famous for founding the Lipton tea brand, was a keen yachtsman. He competed five times in the Americas Cup between 1899 and 1930

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Thomas Lipton, the renowned British grocer and yachtsman, was a prominent figure in the world of sailing. His passion for the sport led him to commission several magnificent vessels that left an indelible mark on maritime history. In 1914, Lipton's America's Cup challenger Shamrock IV showcased its prowess as it raced downwind alongside the elegant sailing yacht White Heather. The absence of topsail on Shamrock IV highlighted its sleek design and speed capabilities. Lipton's dedication to sailing was evident in his choice of vessel creators. Kirk & Sons of Cowes crafted both the cutter Shamrock and J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia. These masterpieces exemplified their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Alick P F Ritchie immortalized Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton in a portrait from 1926, capturing his essence as both a successful businessman and passionate yachtsman. This artwork paid tribute to Lipton's significant contributions to both worlds. The cutter Shamrock became synonymous with Lipton's name, whether beating upwind or gracefully sailing close-hauled through challenging waters. Its presence symbolized his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of victory. One notable event was the launch of Shamrock IV in May 1914 against the backdrop of H. M. S Victory—a testament to Lipton's grandeur ambitions within the sport he loved dearly. Beyond his achievements on water, it also made philanthropic gestures like donating £25, 000 to Princess Wales' Jubilee Dinner Fund—an act that showcased his generosity towards noble causes. Lively celebrations were not unfamiliar territory for Mr. T. J. Lipton; he even attended Mr Punch’s Literary Costume Ball where he undoubtedly added charm with his distinctive personality while mingling among literary figures dressed in elaborate costumes.