The image depicts a busy wharf from a slightly elevated perspective, showing activity on the dock and structures along the riverside. The horizon is formed by a line of buildings with smokestacks, and the scene is detailed in an etching technique with fine lines and hatching. The color palette is monochromatic in shades of sepia. Several boats are moored with people in 19th-century clothing, and more ships with masts can be seen along the water. In the background, there are brick and wooden buildings, some labeled with signs like "Thames Police" and "Wapping Wharf." The sky is detailed with light strokes, possibly suggesting movement or light cloud cover.