'Treasure Island' board game
Publisher
W J Fels
Date1920s
Object number00015488
NameBoard game
MediumCotton, paper, cardboard, coloured inks
DimensionsOverall: 155 x 382 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis illustrated board comes from a board game from the 1920s titled 'Treasure Island'. The cover features an image of pirates searching and finding hidden treasure, with inscriptions at the top reading: 'Treasure Island: A table game for two, three or four players'. Players are required to search for pirate treasure with the aim of avoiding any obstacles encountered and eventually returning home to port.HistoryBoard games were widely distributed before World War II, before the advent and popularisation of television. Manufacturers across Australia often created individual designs for each board game which resulted in highly detailed pieces that became artworks in their own right. They were often used for educational purposes and provided an engaging storytelling exercise for children. The vibrant nature of these board games conveys a long history of fascination surrounding maritime adventure and exploration. They illustrate how maritime themes and history, especially about pirates, permeated cultural activities and entertainment and were cemented in children's imagination as folklore.SignificanceThe inspiration behind this board game appears to have come from one of the most popular adventure stories of children's literature. 'Treasure Island' was written by Robert Louis Stevenson and first published in 1883. This board game displays not only a cultural preoccupation with a widely popular text and subject matter, it also reveals a popular medium for children's entertainment which flourished before World War II.
