H Searle Professional Champion Sculler of the World

Artist Spy (British, 1851 - 1922)

Publisher Vanity Fair (British)

Date7 September 1889

Object number00049256

NameLithograph

MediumColour lithograph

DimensionsOverall: 382 x 260 mm
Image: 317 x 190 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionCaricature of Henry Searle (1866-1889). Known as the Clarence Comet, Searle was born on Elk Island on the Clarence River in northern New South Wales and became Champion Sculler of the World in 1889. He won huge prize money in America and England and captured world headlines as the 'invincible oarsman'. When he tied from typhoid aged 23, over 100,000 mourners followed his coffin through the streets of Sydney. A memorial to Searle was erected near Henley Point on the Parramatta River. The monument is still used as a landmark for rowing regattas held on the river.SignificanceThis caricature published in the British magazine Vanity Fair reflects the international fame of champion Australian professional sculler Henry Searle.