Images(2)

Passing Near the Coast

Artist Hallett Robertson Bartlett (Australian, 1906 - 1989)

Date1919 - 1922

Object number00027504

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsOverall: 395 x 575 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Geoffrey Martin

Terms

DescriptionTwo watercolour paintings, one on each side of the page, by Hallett Bartlett. On one side of the page is a view of the sailing ship GENERAL GORDON and White Star Line twin screw steamship GALLIC signalling to each other. Both ships are flying the red ensign. Handwritten inscription over and under the image reads 'GENERAL GORDON is going to Hobart (Tas) from Melbourne (Vic) and the GALLIC is coming from Melbourne to Sydney. They are signalling!' On the reverse side of the page is a painted image of the Anchor Line MAHANADA in Sydney Harbour. The vessel flies the signal flags 'N', 'No1' and 'T'. Handwritten text reads 'SS MAHANADA coming up Sydney Harbour, she is seen to be hauling down the Pilot Wanted flag.' These watercolours were painted by Hallett Bartlett when a teenager (thirteen years old to sixteen years old) and were originally part of a watercolour album. See 00027420 - 00027528.HistoryThis album illustrates, in the popular style of the period, portraits of ships and some aeroplanes; all identified. The ships are mainly those of the Australian coastal trade including merchant and government vessels, troopships and cargo vessels in Sydney Harbour and elsewhere, although many intercontinental vessels on the Australian run are featured. Bartlett has also incorporated company house flags and pennants into the works. The aircraft depicted are those seen in Australian skies at the conclusion of WWI. Hallett Bartlett was born in Young, New South Wales. His father Charles Henry Falkner Hope Bartlett was a distinguished solider and aide-de-camp to the governor-general, the Earl of Dudley. Although not a lot is known about 'Hal' Barlett, anecdotal evidence suggests that he had aspirations to be an architect at a young age. His craftsmanship is clear in these drawings as is his attention to detail shows a clear military influence, possibly from his father's career and WWI. Bartlett himself joined the armed forces first with the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a voluntary reservist and later to the RAAF where he served in the Middle East. After his return to Australia due to an injury sustained during service, little is known about Bartlett or whether he continued with his love of drawing. His brother, Faulkner 'Hope' Bartlett, was a well-known race driver in Australia and New Zealand and there is evidence that Hal Bartlett was also involved in the automobile industry. SignificanceThis album of drawings by Hallett Bartlett reflect the aeroplanes and ships of the WWI era that captured the imagination of young Australians.