The Australian clipper-ship MARCO POLO

Maker Illustrated London News (Established 1842)

Date1853

Object number00001098

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 400 x 270 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA page from the Illustrated London News on 19 February 1853 featuring an engraving titled 'The Australian clipper-ship MARCO POLO' with a small part of the accompanying article. The remainder of the page is devoted to a new railway bridge over the Diametta branch of the Nile in Egypt.HistoryThe MARCO POLO was a legend amongst clipper ships of the mid-19th century. She was incredibly fast for her time and set the record for circumnavigating the world in less than 6 months. She had been built in Canada and despite being labelled a "big, black lump of a thing", she surprised all by her capabilities. Much of her success was due to her captain, "Bully" Forbes, who although skill full, became known as pushing his ship, crew and passengers to the limit in the quest for speed on the sea. The MARCO POLO was committed to the passenger and immigrant route from England to Australia and was famous at both ends for transporting 15000 immigrants to Australia, carrying more people to the country than any other vessel.SignificanceThe MARCO POLO was committed to the passenger and immigrant route from England to Australia and was famous at both ends for transporting 15000 immigrants to Australia, carrying more people to the country than any other vessel.