Herbert Woodhouse was renowned for his paintings of racehorses. In 1897, he travelled to Perth with his wife aboard the Barcoo, specifically to paint a portrait of a horse named Le Var, who had won the Coolgardie Cup. Le Var was owned by Coolgardie Mayor Arthur Jenkins, in partnership with R.B. Pell, the local auctioneer and race handicapper.

While in Perth, Woodhouse also painted scenes of the Swan River. This work is the second river scene discovered ... , depicting an area that is now the location of the Mosman Bay Restaurant. The view looks toward Chidley Point, with Blackwall Reach visible on the south side of the riverbank. At this time, net fishing in the Swan River was beginning to face increasing regulations. This painting may show one of the last professional fishing camps of that era.

By 1898, net fishing was banned in Perth waters, extending from Point Walter to the mouth of the river. However, net fishing was still permitted in Melville Water and from the causeway to Guildford. Regulations required that the mesh size be no smaller than 3” x 3” (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm), allowing younger fish to escape.

Woodhouse also spent some time in the goldfields. The Art Gallery of Western Australia holds a watercolour of The Mining Warden’s Court, Pilbara in their collection.