The JANE LOCKHART entering Sydney Heads
Datec 1860s
Object number00028265
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour on paper
DimensionsOverall: 431 x 603 mm, 1 mm, 0.1 kg
Image: 317 x 485 mm
Image: 317 x 485 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe JANE LOCKHART was typical of the intercolonial, Australian built schooners which were the backbone of coastal trade in the 1800's. Reasonable fast, having a good carrying capacity, small crew and the ability to operate in remote areas far away from the port facilities required by the larger vessels, the vessels owners could almost be guaranteed a good financial return.
The final demise of the vessel wrecked on a remote Queensland Reef, is also typical of these small Australian built vessels.HistoryHistorical Background:
The wooden 81 ton, two masted schooner (82.7 x 19.2 x 8.4) JANE LOCKHART was built at Ulladulla, New South Wales in 1861 by a Mr Wood for Sydney based shipowner William Lockhart.
'A schooner of 100 tons, arrived on the 23rd instant from Ulladulla, where she was built by Mr Wood. She in intended for the conveyance of grain and seems from her very extensive carrying capacity, admirable suited for the job...' Sydney Morning Herald (25/01/1861)
The schooner was subsequently registered at Sydney (9/1861; Off No: 36858) on 12 February 1861 and after sea trials and final fitting out was advertised for charter and general cargo
'For Launceston direct, to sail Wednesday 13th instant - The fine new clipper schooner JANE LOCKHART, HOWARD master, having nearly all the whole of her cargo engaged, has only room for a few tons of light freight...' Sydney Morning Herald (09/03/1861)
Intended for the coastal and intercolonial trade, the schooner departed on its first paying voyage on 17 March 1861 -
'Clearance - March 16: Jane Lockhart, schooner, 81 tons, Captain Howard, for Launceston. Passengers - Messrs B. Towns, Edion, J. Lockhart ... 234 packages of tea, 210 bags of sugar, 25 cases of sago, 3 bales of bags M. Bear and Co, 6 cases cigars, H. McCrea; 50 cases chicory, J.B. Metcalfe and Co, 3 packages tea, J. Black; 481 packages of tea, 18 bales bags, Thacker, Daniel, and Co; 29 bales of bags, Belby and Scots; 67 tons of potatoes, Molton and Black; 2 packages, J. Pearce.' Sydney Morning Herald (18/03/96)
Between 1861 and December 1868 JANE LOCKHART led the life of a typical intercolonial trading schooner a purpose to which it was well suited.
Originally owned by William Lockhart, the vessels ownership was transferred to another Sydney shipowner, merchant and customs agent Michael Metcalfe in August 1862. Metcalfe owner of Metcalf's Marine Assurance, was also director of the Australasian Steam Navigation Company Ltd and of the Clarence and Richmond River Steam Navigation Company. Metcalf sold his share of the Jane Lockhart to the Bank of New South Wales who on-sold it to a James Lindsey Haynes of Broad Sound, in November 1868.
On November 23 1868 the schooner departed Sydney for Broad Sound under the command of Captain Machen. Whilst passing the Bunkers Group a strong current forced the vessel onto one of the outlying reefs. Master and crew abandoned the schooner and made for the Pilot Station at Keppel Bay.
'The schooner JANE LOCKHART, the property of Haynes and Hatfield, of Broad Sound, was wrecked on Thursday night on Bunker's Group, outside Cape Capricorn, while bound from Sydney for Broad Sound. The master and crew arrived safely at Keppel Bay this morning' Sydney Morning Herald (15/12/1868)
SignificanceThe painting of the JANE LOCKHART is a lovely illustration of an Australian built schooner - the 19th century equivalent of today's semi-trailers. These vessels although quite common were not often the subject for paintings, especially one of this calibre. The style, medium, background subject material and period are very similar to the work of Frederick Garling (1806-1873) who as a customs officer based at Sydney between 1838 and 1867 painted every ship that visited Sydney
