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The JOHN WILLIAMS purchased and equipped by the Juvenile Friends of the London Missionary Society
The JOHN WILLIAMS purchased and equipped by the Juvenile Friends of the London Missionary Society

The JOHN WILLIAMS purchased and equipped by the Juvenile Friends of the London Missionary Society

Printer
Engraver
Artist
Datec 1850
Object number00045219
NameLithograph
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 510 x 610 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis lithograph depicts the London Missionary Society bark JOHN WILLIAMS I, named after the missionary John Williams who was an active and popular face of the LMS. Williams established a number of missions before he was killed at Erromanga (Tanna) in the New Hebrides in November 1839. Following his death the Society built six missionary vessels bearing his name. JOHN WILLIAMS I featured in a number of colour prints made with the George Baxter process. HistoryThe hero death of Williams whilst attempting to proclaim the gospel, later illustrated by a series of Baxter colour process prints, created great interest and speculation in Australia, England and America. The outpouring of sympathy and support for the LMS culminated in the construction, by public subscription, of the first of six missionary vessels to bear his name. The expense of building the first JOHN WILLIAMS was raised by subscription through Sunday schools across England. Some £6,200 was raised.SignificanceThis painting highlights the work of the London Missionary Society (LMS) and in particular John Williams who was active in the spread of Christianity in the Pacific.