ROB ROY
Artist
George W R Bourne
(1858 - 1910)
Date1882-1901
Object number00040035
NamePainting
MediumPaper, watercolour, timber frame, glass
DimensionsOverall: 400 × 520 × 15 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis watercolour by George Bourne depicts a broadside view of ROB ROY, a single-funnelled black-hulled steam ship flying the company flag of the Adelaide Steamship Company and the red ensign of the British Merchant Marine.HistoryROB ROY was built in 1867 by T Wingate & Co in Glasgow and was 393 tons. It carried a schooner rig on both masts and also had square rigging on the foremasts.
ROB ROY was brought to Melbourne by Robinson & Co to be used on the Victorian western districts run along the Otway coast. Lengthened in 1872 by 20 feet, ROB ROY was then purchased in 1877 by James Lilley & Co for use on the coastal mail run in Western Australia as well as for passenger trips between Melbourne, Adelaide and Albany.
In 1882 the ship suffered a serious accident and was stranded at Port Walcott for several weeks. It was salvaged and refitted before James Lilley sold his entire fleet to the Adelaide Steamship Company. ROB ROY maintained the fortnightly passenger-mail trip between Geraldton and Albany until 1896 when she moved to the Port Adelaide to Esperance route. In 1901 ROB ROY was hulked for coal before being broken up in 1910.SignificanceThis watercolour by professional maritime artist George W R Bourne shows a typical scene from the pre-Federation era of shipping and trade around Western Australia.
