Edward Hanlan Champion of the World 15 November 1880. Beat Trickett of NSW

Date1880

Object number00015856

NameMug

MediumGlass

DimensionsOverall: 110 mm, 0.4 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis souvenir glass mug was made in Australia to commemorate Edward Hanlan's rowing victory in 1880. The mug is inscribed around the image `Edward Hanlan Champion of the World, Nov 15th 1880, Beat Trickett of NSW'. It bears images of two sets of crossed oars and a man sitting in a scull. The mass produced mug is made of common slag glass. HistoryThe 'Champion of the World' title was first used after Edward Trickett, then Australian Champion, defeated the English Champion Joseph Sadler on the Thames in 1876. On his return to Sydney, Trickett was awarded a purse of 850 pounds, which was collected from public donations. The inscription on the mug 'beat Trickett of NSW' shows the uncertain status of the title 'Champion of the World' in its early days. Canadian Edward Hanlan was the World Champion sculler in 1880. He was entrepreneurial and often received challenges, but only agreed to race if opponents were prepared to match the large stakes he was prepared to risk. Hanlan also earned an income as a showman, giving demonstrations on rowing machines in theatres and town halls, and on the water in 'Regattas'. The Canadian performed tricks for his audience concluding the performance by walking on the surface of the water with the aid of large galvanised iron shoes measuring four feet, six inches. Hanlan personified sculling as a business. The 'Champion of the World’ title later returned to Australia in 1884 when Hanlan was defeated by William Beach in Sydney.SignificanceAs a cheap souvenir, this mug shows the popularity of rowing match races in the 19th century. It is particularly important as it relates to the establishment of the professional title 'Champion of the World', which was used from about 1876 to the 1950s.