HMS CLIO

Artist John Bastock (1908 - 1996)

Datec 1988

Object number00016903

NamePainting

MediumOil on daler board

DimensionsOverall: 255 x 355 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from John Bastock

Terms

DescriptionThis painting by John Bastock represents the flagship HMS CLIO anchored in Port Jackson off Fort Denison. The broad pennant of Commodore Frederick H Stirling is flying from the fore mast. CLIO was flagship of the Royal Navy's Australia Station between 1870 and 1873.HistoryCLIO was a wooden screw corvette launched at Sheerness in August 1858 and received its first commission to the Pacific Station where it was involved in controlling riots against French subjects in Panama. CLIO then assumed the role of flagship on the Australia Station under the command of Commodore Frederick H Stirling in 1870. It held this position until 1873 when it was relieved by HMS PEARL. CLIO returned to the United Kingdom and in 1876 was used for training in North Wales until 1919 when it was broken up at Bangor. During the 19th century Britain was preoccupied with increasing its colonial territories and maintaining the empire. The British Royal Navy (RN) at the height of its power divided the world into strategic zones or stations that were manned by a squadron of warships responsible for cruising and protecting British territories and shipping. Until the 1850s Australasia was covered by the East India Station, a vast area that included the Indian Ocean and the waters around Australia. After pressure from the colonial governments of New Zealand and Australia the RN formed the Australia Station as a separate command in 1859. The station was established to guard British shipping and trade in the Australasian region and ensure sea routes were open and safe. In 1859 the Australia Station included the territories of New Zealand, Chatham Island, New Hebrides, Loyalty Islands, Fiji and Australia.SignificanceThis modern depiction of the Australia Station flagship HMS CLIO (1870-1873) represents the protection provided by British naval ships for the Australasian colonies during the 19th century.