HMAS TINGIRA
Datec 1940
Object number00055187
NamePainting
MediumCanvas, oil-based paint, pencil, wood
DimensionsOverall: 75 × 350 mm
Copyright© Allcot Trust
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Christina Pender
DescriptionOil painting by John Allcot of the Royal Australian Navy training ship HMAS TINGIRA moored in Sydney Harbour, likely at Rose Bay.
HistoryHMAS TINGIRA was the Royal Australian Navy's first training ship. It was launched in 1866 as the passenger clipper SOBRAON, a vessel that holds the distinction as the world's largest composite-hulled (iron framing over wooden planking) sailing vessel. After serving as a passenger ship, Sobraon was purchased by the New South Wales colonial government in 1891 and converted into a Nautical School Ship. It continued in this capacity until 1911, when it was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy, converted into a sail training ship, and renamed TINGIRA. TINGIRA remained in active service until 1927. It was eventually broken up in the early 1940s.
Marine painter John Charles Allcot was born in Derbyshire (UK) in 1888 and studied at the Liverpool School of Arts. He arrived in Sydney in 1909, and subsequently worked in coastal, island and intercolonial vessels out of Sydney before giving up the sea in 1912. Allcot obtained commissions for ship paintings from Sydney photographers and gained widespread recognition in the 1920s with a series of oil paintings (on the founding of the Australian colonies) that were later acquired by the Australasian Pioneers' Club. At a time of great change in the shipping industry, he specialized in nostalgic views of sailing ships and steamers, and found an appreciative market of ship-owners, captains, crews and their families. A fellow (1956) of the local Royal Art Society, Allcot was a member of the League of Ancient Mariners and of the Shiplovers' Society. He was elected an honorary life member (1962) of the Australasian Pioneers' Club and appointed O.B.E. in 1970.
SignificanceThe painting is significant for its association with HMAS TINGIRA and noted marine artist John Charles Allcot.
