Celluloid girl doll owned by child migrant Lily Knapton

Datec 1909

Object number00028036

NameToy

MediumCelluloid, paint, elastic

DimensionsOverall: 80 × 30 × 27 mm

ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Gary McPherson

Terms

DescriptionThis Japanese celluloid doll is one of the toys that eight-year-old British child migrant Lily Knapton brought with her to Australia on SS RUNIC in 1909. The doll wears a pink bonnet, white blouse and lilac pants. It would have provided Lily with entertainment during the long eight week voyage.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 doll 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.