KATOOMBA

Artist John Allcot (Australian, 1888 - 1973)

Date1915

Object number00030766

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas, framed

DimensionsOverall: 833 x 1130 x 45 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from McIlwraith McEacharn Limited

Terms

DescriptionThis oil on canvas by John Allcot depicts the portside of the KATOOMBA steamship at sea, with the vessel's name is visible on the bow. The vessel was owned by McIlwraith McEacharn Pty Ltd and is part of the McIlwraith McEacharn Collection.HistoryThe TSS KATOOMBA was built in 1913 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast for McIlwraith McEacharn Ltd of Melbourne. In September 1913 KATOOMBA undertook its first passenger voyage from Sydney to Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany and Fremantle. It was requisitioned in 1918 and refitted as a troopship in 1919, returning to passenger service in 1920. KATOOMBA operated in both the Western Australian and Queensland coastal services from 1932 to 1939, before being requisitioned once again as a troopship in 1942. In 1946 KATOOMBA was returned to its owners and then sold to Goulandris Bros, Greece, before being renamed COLUMBIA in 1949. After operating on routes from Europe and the Mediterranean to Canada, COLUMBIA was laid up in 1958 and scrapped at Nagasaki in 1959.SignificanceMcIlwraith McEacharn Limited originated in London in 1875, going on to become one of the largest and most successful companies operating in Australia throughout the following century.