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The new Orient Liner, OPHIR. - Recently in Sydney
The new Orient Liner, OPHIR. - Recently in Sydney

The new Orient Liner, OPHIR. - Recently in Sydney

Artist (1851 - 1931)
Publisher
Date1892
Object number00027206
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsSheet: 218 x 308 mm
Image: 290 x 424 mm
Overall: 290 x 424 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA page from The Illustrated Sydney News, 13 February 1892, featuring a full page engraving titled 'The new Orient Liner, OPHIR. - Recently in Sydney' by William Wyllie. HistoryThe OPHIR, launched in 1891, first visited Australia on her maiden voyage from London in November, 1891. Visibly, she was distinct from other ships who had sailed the England to Australia route, most notable in the widely spaced twin funnels. She was built by Robert Napier & Sons in Glasgow and was the first twin-screw vessel to operate on the Australian mail service. It was often described as ‘the opulent OPHIR’ because of its sumptuously-decorated interiors In 1901 OPHIR had the honour of being charted by the Admiralty to take the Duke and Duchess of York and Cornwall on a royal tour, a highlight being the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament in Australia. After resuming commercial duties, OPHIR was commissioned as an armed merchant cruiser in 1915 at the outbreak of World War I and finished her wartime duties as a hospital ship in 1918. After the war, now being owned by P & O, the OPHIR did not sail again and was scrapped in 1922 at Troon. SignificanceThe OPHIR had a relatively short but very important relationship with Australia. After being specifically designed for the London - Australia run, the OPHIR also carried the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on a royal tour to commemorate the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament in Australia.