Modern replica of a Viking longship

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Date1893

Object number00002396

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bruce Stannard

Terms

DescriptionVIKING, a replica of the Viking longship GOKSTAD, by William Hall.HistoryThis image appears to be a photograph of a postcard or carte de visite that depicts a stern and port view of the reproduction Viking longship VIKING. VIKING was built in Sandefjord, Norway, in 1892- 1893 as a reproduction of the Gokstad ship, an original Viking vessel found within a burial mound in Norway in 1880. In 1893 VIKING sailed from Norway to Chicago to the World's Columbian Exposition under the captaincy of Magnus Anderson, who paid high tribute to the seaworthiness of the vessel. After featuring in the World Exposition it languished for many years and is currently being preserved and restored by the Friends of the Viking Ship group in Illinois, USA. SignificanceThe Hall photographic collection provides an important pictorial record of recreational boating in Sydney Harbour from the 1890s to the 1930s. The collection documents the lively sailing scene in Sydney during this period and features images of vessels ranging from large racing and cruising yachts to the great array of skiffs and the emerging technologies of motorboats. Images of many iconic vessels are also included in this visual record.