Lily Knapton

Date1909-1920

Object number00028025

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 21 x 15 mm, 2 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Gary McPherson

Terms

DescriptionThis miniature photograph depicts British child migrant Lily Knapton, who was eight years old when she migrated to Australia with her mother on SS RUNIC in 1909.HistoryThe Immigration Restriction Act 1901 was the first major piece of legislation passed by Australia's new federal parliament. The Act placed certain restrictions on immigration and reflected the government's desire to build a white Australia. The government's preference was for immigrants from Britain and it offered cheap fares to attract them to Australia. Many Britons saw emigration as a chance to find work and establish a new life. In 1909 eight-year-old Lily Knapton and her mother departed Liverpool on the White Star liner SS RUNIC. They were migrating to Australia to join Lily's father, who was working as a tailor in Melbourne, Victoria. From 1901 to 1930 RUNIC operated a regular migrant service from Liverpool to Sydney. Lily brought her favourite toys, clothes and school books with her. She kept them all her life as souvenirs of her former life in Britain and her childhood voyage on SS RUNIC.SignificanceThe photograph is part of a collection of personal possessions brought to Australia by British child migrant Lily Knapton in 1909. It provides a rare insight into the nature of childhood and children's journeys from Britain in the early 1900s.