One of the Jubilee Steamships - the P&O Company's RMS VICTORIA

Publisher The Sydney Mail (Australian, 1860 - 1938)

Date10 March 1888

Object number00005643

NameMagazine clipping

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 475 x 324 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Sydney

DescriptionThis article was printed in the 'Sydney Mail' and depicts five engravings of the steamship RMS VICTORIA, chartered by the P&O shipping Line. It offers a view of the ship's saloon, music room, smoke room and a broad depiction of the vessel at sea. VICTORIA was used for transporting immigrants to Australia in the late 19th century.HistoryIllustrated weekly magazines became increasingly popular in Europe and America during the mid 19th century. They used large eye catching illustrations to accompany articles on politics, war, travel, exploration, fine arts, science and literature. Coverage of the gold rush and immigration were popular stories in America, Australia and England. To emigrate or remain at home was a major decision faced by many families in the 19th century. In the United Kingdom and Ireland alone, these reasons included land clearance (Scotland and Ireland), famine (Ireland), unemployment (England), the desire to get rich or the quest for political or religious freedom (Cornwall, the Midlands, Scotland and Ireland). SignificanceThese engravings are an insight into how immigrants travelled to Australia during the late 19th century. They indicate onboard activities for passengers such as entertainment provided by music recitals and concerts.