William Beach Champion of the World
Datec 1886
Object number00006250
NameScarf
MediumSilk
DimensionsOverall: 645 × 685 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis silk scarf was made to commemorate the achievements of the Australian champion sculler William Beach. The design features a portrait bust of Beach above a list of the races he won in New South Wales. It has a flag in each corner bearing the Australian Federation Flag.HistoryWilliam Beach (1850-1935) was revered as a national sporting hero, winning the sculling Championship of the World for Australia seven times between 1884 and 1887. Racing both at home and abroad Beach proudly carried the hopes of the colony, inspiring nationalist sentiment long before Federation. His victories were celebrated through civic receptions, poetry, music including the very popular Beach's Champion Oarsman's Polka and mass produced souvenir beer mugs. Living well into his eighties, he grew to become the 'grand old man' of the sculling world.
Born in England, William Beach migrated with his family in 1853 to the south coast township near Lake Illawarra in New South Wales. He lived in Dapto all his life, becoming a blacksmith and a keen waterman. Winning a series of local regattas and small purses, Beach gradually began to earn a great deal of money and respect from the feverish followers of professional sculling, eventually acquiring a sponsor, publican Mr John Deeble of the Bells Inn near the Domain in Sydney. His rise culminated in the long awaited showdown for the Championship of the World against famed Canadian sculler Edward Hanlan for £1000 a side on the 16 August 1884 on the Parramatta River. Beach won this race and remained undefeated for the rest of his career.
Beach's first major win was over Edward Trickett for the Australian Championship in April 1884. In the same year he defeated the world's champion Edward Hanlan on the Parramatta River, and in 1885 he successfully defended his title against TC Clifford, Hanlan and N Matterson. His most famous race was on the Thames in September 1886 against Gauder. Both rowers pushed themselves to such an extent that each in turn stopped during the race, exhausted. Beach recovered to successfully defend his world title. On his return to Sydney he was welcomed as a hero, and presented to Governor and Lady Carrington.SignificanceThe scarf is an important document of William Beach's victories in New South Wales, and is representative of the souvenirs that celebrated the World Champion sculler during the 1880s. His races on the Parramatta River attracted huge crowds and his victories were celebrated in the press and in song.
