The convict hulk DISCOVERY

Artist Edward William Cooke (1811 - 1880)

Date1828

Object number00008965

NameEtching

MediumEtching on paper

DimensionsOverall: 214 x 300 mm, 50 g

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis engraving depicts the convict hulk DISCOVERY anchored at Deptford, England on dry land with buildings in the background. Although the label claims this vessel 'accompanied Capt. Cook on his last voyage', the ship DISCOVERY depicted here is the vesel that took part in George Vancouver's 'voyage of exploration' in 1791. It served as a prison hulk in Deptford from 1818 until bein scrapped in February 1834. HistoryHMS DISCOVERY was launched in 1789 and named after Cook's vessel of the same name from his final voyage to the Pacific Ocean. DISCOVERY took part in George Vancouver's expedition to North America in 1791 - 1795, on her return she was converted into a bomb vessel and from 1818 to 1834 DISCOVERY acted as a convict hulk based in Deptford. SignificanceThe DISCOVERY is significant through its association with George Vancouver and his voyage of 1791 which explored and charted North America's northwestern Pacific Coast regions.