Associated Shipwrights Society certificate to Dugald McMachlan

Date28 March 1893

Object number00008559

NameCertificate

MediumChromolithograph on paper on paper

DimensionsOverall: 851 x 611 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dugald McKenzie McLachlan

Terms

DescriptionThis certificate belonged to Dugald McKenzie McLachlan, who joined the Associated Shipwright's Society in Scotland in 1893. McLachlan migrated to Australia in 1913 and worked at Cockatoo Dockyard.HistoryDugald McLachlan was born in Scotland where he gained his qualifications as a shipwright. Difficult economic conditions in Scotland convinced him to move to South Africa where he worked in the mines. In 1913 he migrated with his wife and four children to Australia. In Australia he worked at Cockatoo Dockyard until his early death from pneumonia in 1918. Some of the vessels he worked on at the docks were HMAS ADELAIDE, HMAS BRISBANE and the Manly ferry BELLUBERA. British skilled trade unions in the mid nineteenth century produced some wonderful examples of labour certificates. Rich in symbolism, they were part of the baggage of skilled migrants to Australia. This certificate enabled Dugald McKenzie to work in Australia in his trade. This certificate of the Associated Shipwrights Society, London, England, c. 1900 is a framed chromolithograph on paper. The certificate illustrates the work done by shipwrights, ships they have built, and the benefits of membership of the association. The banner is flanked by two large bouquets. Beneath the banner is the society's crest, a shield with a ship, and illustrations of shipwright tools above a banner which reads `We are as One'. There is a large blue eye with two hands shaking and in the centre of the certificate is an illustration of three ships being built in dry dock depicted in a rotunda with rope and wreath border. On one side sits Brittania and on the opposite side sits Neptune. There are seven ship illustrations representing both modern and older ship models, titled; `The Ark', `Norman galleys.', `Armour clad turret ship', `Atlantic liner "British empire".', `Barone and yacht', 'Line of battle ship', `The lifeboat on her mission of mercy', and `Tug and yawl'. An inscription reads `This is to certify that Dugald Mclachlan is a member of the Associated Shipwrights Society given under our hand this 28th day of March 1893 Barrow branch. Jim (?) branch secry. Alex Wilkie General Secry' appears in six lines of cursive typeface. The inscription is surrounded by six small scenes illustrating the benefits of belonging to the society; `superannuation', `sickness', `relieving the widow', `unemployed', `tool compensation' and `accident'. There is an illustration of a bridge with title `The Forth Bridge'. The certificate is decorated with fish, shell and scroll borders. Below the image is printed `Blades, East & Blades, Designers & Printers of Emblems, 23 Abchurch lane, London, e.C.'SignificanceThis certificate is an excellent document of the range of work done by shipwrights in the 19th and 20th centuries and lists and illustrates the benefits of belonging to the society.