Albany Harbour

Artist George W R Bourne (1858 - 1910)

Datec 1900

Object number00040036

NamePainting

MediumPaper, watercolours, timber frame, glass.

DimensionsSight: 195 x 320 mm
Overall: 465 x 580 x 15 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Ship portraits

Terms

DescriptionA watercolour view of Albany Harbour by George W R Bourne. The painting depicts a quiet, topographical view of Albany Harbour including grassy coastal landforms and colonial buildings at the top of the harbour's highest natural point. Various vessels appear in different perspectives on a calm sea.HistoryThe painting shows aquiet topographical view of Albany Harbour including grassy coastal land forms and a significant colonial building (most likely the Harbour Master's Cottage) atop the Harbour's highest natural point. Three vessels are placed in different perspectives on a pond-like sea within the frame. A steamship sits midframe billowing black smoke either on arrival or on departure from the port. An unrigged sailing ship at anchor sits at a distance with a long boat nearby. The very long and elaborate Albany Town Jetty and busy main street known to exist at the time have not been depicted by Bourne. His choice of view point conveys a calm and tranquil scene. Founded in 1826 by the British Government, as a territorial deterrent to other European colonizers, Albany Harbour (or Frederick Town as it was first named) was a small regimental outpost until the middle of the nineteenth century. In the1850s Albany (officially named in 1832) was selected as the central mail port for Western Australia. This important develpment and the port's role as one of the major coaling depots on the trading route between Australia and Europe ensured economic prosperity until the end of the 19th century. The opening of the railway line from Perth in 1889 and the discovery of gold in the 1890s saw another increase in population and mercantile activity for the thriving port town. Before 1900 Albany was the chief port for overseas ships calling at the colony. West Australian Post Office directories list Geo.W.R.Bourne, painter at Albany in 1900 and 1902.SignificanceAlthough depicted in tranquillity here, Albany was a highly significant port during the economic boom of Australia's early years. It was an important player in the trading route between Australia and Europe