Cowper Phipps Coles Paintings

Cowper Phipps Coles was not an artist in the traditional sense of painters or sculptors; rather, he was a significant figure in naval engineering history, known especially for his contributions to the design of warships. Born on September 1819 in Ditchampton, Wiltshire, England, Coles was a captain in the Royal Navy and later an inventor and naval architect. His engineering innovations had lasting impacts on naval design, particularly in the development of the turret ship.

Coles joined the Royal Navy in 1831, and his experiences during his naval career deeply influenced his later work as an engineer and inventor. It was during the Crimean War that Coles conceived the idea for a revolving gun turret, as he observed the limitations of the fixed broadside guns on warships of that era. His vision was to create a more efficient and flexible mode of firing naval guns, allowing them to be turned to any angle relative to the ship's hull. In the 1850s, Coles patented his turret design, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.

Despite initial resistance from traditionalists within the Royal Navy, Coles' design eventually gained traction. His first operational turret was installed on the Royal Navy ship HMS 'Prince Albert' in 1864, and his ideas were further realized with the construction of the HMS 'Captain' in 1869, which featured a low-freeboard hull and heavy turret armament. Unfortunately, the 'Captain' capsized in a gale off Cape Finisterre in September 1870, leading to a tragic loss of life, including Coles himself.

The disaster did not end the influence of Coles' turret concept, however. His ideas continued to be developed and improved upon, and turrets became a standard feature on warships worldwide, profoundly changing naval warfare. Coles' contribution to naval architecture was recognized posthumously; he was remembered not only for his ingenuity but also for his perseverance in advocating for the advancement of naval technology. Though his life ended prematurely, Cowper Phipps Coles' legacy as an innovative naval engineer remains an important part of military naval history.