Marking buoys and fore deck – cable ship RECORDER, Circular Quay, May 6th
Artist
Frank Norton
(1916-1983)
Date1936
Object number00027987
NameDrawing
MediumPaper, pencil
DimensionsSheet: 218 x 219 mm
Overall: 218 x 219 mm, 0.007 kg
Overall: 218 x 219 mm, 0.007 kg
Copyright© Lynne Norton
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionFrank Norton has depicted the cable ship RECORDER at Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour. Drawn from a high perspective and looking onto the deck, Norton has captured the material needed for cable ship operations.HistoryLaying cable for telecommunications around the world began in the mid 19th century and has continued into the 21st century. Global communication still relies heavily on submarine cables and are susceptible to breaks from ships, marine life, and natural forces. Cable ships are therefore important in maintaining communications by repairing the breaks.
RECORDER was built in 1902 by D.J. Dunlop & Company, Glasgow for Pacific Cable Board. This company represented the governments of British dominions and therefore RECORDER and was originally called HMCS IRIS.
During the First World War, IRIS captured Captain von Luckner, the commander of the German raider SEEADLER that had terrorised the Allied war effort in the Atlantic and the Pacific. Von Luckner's ship had run ashore in Fiji and IRIS was able to intercept the captain before he was able to commandeer another ship.
In 1929, IRIS was sold to the Imperial & International Communications Ltd (later Cable & Wireless Co.), renamed RECORDER and continued to maintain the cable lines until sold for scrap in 1952.SignificanceThis drawing represents the relience on ships for maintaining communication between Australia and the rest of the world.
