Representation of the dream of a prospecting miner

Representation of the dream of a prospecting miner

Publisher Gleason's Pictorial Drawing Room Companion

Engraver F Hedge (active 1848-1860)

Datec 1851

Object number00000903

NameNewspaper

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 373 x 271 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis newspaper article features an engraving of the clipper ship TORNADO and an engraving of a sleeping miner. It was printed in Gleason's Pictorial Drawing Room Companion, a popular American weekly magazine of the time. The TORNADO is depicted sailing at sea in windy conditions with a broken foremast. The miner is shown asleep and is dreaming of finding gold and returning home with his newly discovered wealth.HistoryDuring the 1840s and 1850s illustrated weekly magazines became increasingly popular in Europe and America. They featured prominent large illustrations with articles on politics, war, travel, exploration, fine arts, science and literature. The first edition of Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing Room Companion was published in 1851. This major American newspaper was modelled on the London Illustrated News and featured articles of interest to American audiences, including stories from overseas. In 1855 this weekly underwent a name change to Ballou's Pictorial, after it was purchased by Maturin Ballou. The discovery of gold In America and Australia during the 1850s and 1860s was a popular topic in weekly magazines. People were keen to hear of the opportunities, adventure and conditions of life on the gold fields. Tens of thousands of miners criss-crossed the Pacific Ocean between Australia and America in the 1850s. A $20 one-way ticket bought the traveller a bunk and space for one trunk, the trip between Sydney and San Francisco taking about six weeks. The TORNADO was an American clipper ship of 1802 tons that was used during the 1850s on the trade route between England and Australia. In December 1857 the TORNADO experienced a mutiny during a passage to Melbourne from Liverpool. The rebellion was put down by the ship's Captain and crew.SignificanceThese two engravings represent the gold rush in America and Australia during the middle of the 19th century. They highlight the popularity of stories related to the gold rush in weekly magazines of the time.