Portrait of Captain Robert Gardner
Date1914-1919
Object number00018502
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 142 x 91 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionPortrait of Captain Robert Gardner who made the model of the paddle steamer SOPHIA JANE.HistoryThe SOPHIA JANE was the first steamer to be seen in Sydney Harbour. She arrived from England in May 1831 after being built by Barnes and Millar in 1826. Her arrival was met with great anticipation and celebration and a newspaper acount of her first trip states "Yesterday was a proud day for Australia, a day that ought to be placed high in the calendar of her improvements - a day to which her sons and daughters if alive to the true interest of this country, will in future years look back with admiration. The first efficient exhibition of steam navigation in this fifth quarter of the world was beheld by the select few who had adventured on board the SOPHIA JANE on Friday the 11th day of June. The SOPHIA JANE put forth all her powers. She showed what the ingenuity of man had been able to contrive - to dispense with oars and canvas and to urge rapidly onward, in defiance of winds and weather, a vessel of large dimensions and heavy burthen. Early in the morning the Captain gave breakfast on board to his Excellency Governor Darling and a distinguished party of ladies and gentlemen. The vessel performed a gentle trip round Dawes Point, Darling Harbour and Goat Island and in so fine a style that His Excellency and all the fashionable guests were pleased to express the highest encomiums on the scientific construction of the vessel, and on the admirable skill with which she was managed." (Sydney Gazette, 1831).
