HRH Prince of Wales sailing on Sydney Harbour

Artist Haughton Forrest (1826 - 1925)

Datec 1901

Object number00000910

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsSight: 514 x 765 mm
Overall: 762 x 1010 x 70 mm, 6.4 kg
Display Dimensions: 154 x 765 x 18 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionOil painting of the HRH Prince of Wales sailing on Sydney Harbour by John Haughton Forrest (1826 - 1925). The painting depicts two yachts racing on Sydney Harbour turning around a buoy. A rocky headland appears in the background (perhaps North Head). The leading yacht flies a Royal Navy pennant indicating that the Duke of York (to become the Prince of Wales) is on board. The margin on the frame is inscribed '"HRH Prince of Wales sailing Sydney Harbour" Captain John Haughton Forrest 1825 - 1925'.HistoryThe artist Captain James Haughton Forrest achieved considerable fame in colonial society when he arrived from London in August 1876, aged 50. He had retired from the Light Infantry, and had experience working as a marine artist. He was awarded a land grant and a post as a police superintendent, yet quickly established a reputation in Hobart as a marine and landscape painter. He exhibited regularly from 1881, and his works were regular prizes in art union lotteries. Forrest established a relationship with photographer John Watt Beattie and used photography to render the detail evident in his works. He copied Beattie's views with lantern slide projection to paint his larger, majestic landscape works to great acclaim in Tasmania.SignificanceThe occasion for the royal visit to Australia was to open of the first Australian Parliament in Melbourne. A hugely significant event, the visit drew enormous crowds everywhere the royal couple went.