DARTFORD

Artist George W R Bourne (1858 - 1910)

Date1910

Object number00040034

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsSight: 215 x 355 mm
Overall: 489 x 620 x 40 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Ship portraits

Terms

DescriptionThe painting by George W R Bourne depicting the three masted fully-rigged sailing ship, DARTFORD, in broad-side view flying the red ensign of the British Merchant Marine.HistoryThe DARTFORD was an iron-hulled three masted sailing ship of 1327 tons. Built in 1877 by Mounsey & Foster in Sunderland, England, the sailing ship was well known in both Australian and New Zealand waters. DARTFORD sailed under the English flag for a variety of owners, including John T Morton, London 1877-1883, G Traill & Sons 1883-1900, and D Cosar & Sons 1900-1908. Purchased in 1908 by New Zealand's Union Steam Ship Company, the DARTFORD began a new career as a training ship. DARTFORD sailed into Bunbury, Western Australia with 12 cadets in July 1909 during its first voyage in this new capacity. Departing Bunbury fully laden with a cargo of jarrah timber, the ship set sail for Wellington in August. Used variously as a sail-training ship and coal hulk for the next 38 years, DARTFORD was eventually dismantled and beached on Rangitoto Island (off Auckland) in 1946.SignificanceThis watercolour by professional maritime artist George W R Bourne shows a scene typical of the post-Federation era of shipping and trade around Western Australia.