The Quay is an excellent example of John Nash’s technical ability with wood engraving. The dark plume of smoke and the shadow created by the boat create a striking contrast with the lighter areas of the composition, particularly in the foreground. Nash received little formal training but was encouraged to take up art by his brother, the artist Paul Nash. He was a founding member of the Society of Wood Engravers in 1920 and encouraged Paul to take up the medium. Nash also worked in a variety of other media.