Images(3)

HMS HOOD and SS WOOLOONGBAR

Artist Hallett Robertson Bartlett (Australian, 1906 - 1989)

Date1921

Object number00027443

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsOverall: 393 x 575 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Geoffrey Martin

Terms

DescriptionTwo watercolour paintings by Hallett Bartlett depicting the North Coast Steamship Navigation Company's SS WOOLOONGBAR stuck on a reef on one side and battle cruiser HMS HOOD in the North Sea on the other. These watercolours were drawn by Hallett Bartlett when 15 years old and were originally part of a watercolour album. See 00027420 - 00027528.HistoryThe ships depicted in Bartlett's album are mainly those of the Australian coastal trade although many intercontinental vessels on the Australian run are featured. There are troopships, naval ships, passenger vessels and freighters. The artist 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. This particular watercolour comprises two sides. On one side is the port side view of the steamship WOOLOONGBAR stuck on a reef seemingly undamaged with the lifeboats intact but without rigging or flags and the anchor chain bending around the bow to the starboard side. A beach is visible in the foreground and the North Coast Steamship Navigation company appears enlarged on upper left corner. The handwritten inscription on bottom centre reads "SS WOOLOONGBAR Wrecked Dec 1920 at Byron Bay, NSW." On the reverse is a watercolour HMS HOOD in the North Sea. It depicts a starboard side view of the HOOD at sea with another vessel on the horizon. Above the image, the title between the Red and White Ensigns. HMS HOOD was sunk on 24 May, 1941 by the German ship BISMARCK.SignificanceThis album illustrates, in the popular style of the period, portraits of ships and some aeroplanes; all identified.The drawings exhibit great vitality and can be considered quite decorative.