Images(3)

HMS OPHIR and SS CIRCUNUS

Artist Hallett Robertson Bartlett (Australian, 1906 - 1989)

Date1919 - 1922

Object number00027457

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsOverall: 395 x 570 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Geoffrey Martin

Terms

DescriptionTwo watercolour paintings by Hallett Bartlett. On one side is the steamer OPHIR in Sydney Harbour. Handwritten text under the image reads 'HMS OPHIR, P&O, coming up Sydney Harbour with the Duke + Duchess of York. Our present King and Queen in escort of yachts and launches. King George V and Queen Mary.' On the reverse of the page is a water image of SS CIRCUNUS in Athol Bay. These watercolours are part of an album of approximately 90 images (00027420 - 00027528) drawn by Hallett Bartlett when a teenager. HistoryIn 1901 RMS OPHIR served as HMS OPHIR to take the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (the future King George V and Queen Mary) on their tour of the British Empire. The visit was scheduled to open the new Federal Parliament in Melbourne. This album illustrates, in the popular style of the period, portraits of ships and some aeroplanes; all identified. The ships are mainly those of the Australian coastal trade including merchant and government vessels, troopships and cargo vessels in Sydney Harbour and elsewhere, although many intercontinental vessels on the Australian run are featured. Bartlett has also incorporated company house flags and pennants into the works. The aircraft depicted are those seen in Australian skies at the conclusion of WWI. Hallett Bartlett was born in Young, New South Wales. His father Charles Henry Falkner Hope Bartlett was a distinguished solider and aide-de-camp to the governor-general, the Earl of Dudley. Although not a lot is known about 'Hal' Barlett, anecdotal evidence suggests that he had aspirations to be an architect at a young age. His craftsmanship is clear in these drawings as is his attention to detail shows a clear military influence, possibly from his father's career and WWI. Bartlett himself joined the armed forces first with the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a voluntary reservist and later to the RAAF where he served in the Middle East. After his return to Australia due to an injury sustained during service, little is known about Bartlett or whether he continued with his love of drawing. His brother, Faulkner 'Hope' Bartlett, was a well-known race driver in Australia and New Zealand and there is evidence that Hal Bartlett was also involved in the automobile industry. SignificanceThis album of drawings by Hallett Bartlett reflect the aeroplanes and ships of the WWI era that captured the imagination of young Australians.