Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Painting - Vessel, C.K.M. (artist), S.S. Warrnambool, 1883
... slipper shaped bow... slipper shaped bow 19th century sea trade Warrnambool Museum ...
This oil painting is in a handmade, carved frame, dates back to the period of the old Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery. The two-masted, sail-and-steam-powered ship has the sails and bow shape of a tall clipper ship plus the extra power of steam. It dates to the transition between the clipper ships with their billowing sails and the steam-powered ships, which happened in the late 19th to early 20th century. The flag flown from the stern is that of the British Merchant Navy that traded around the world to transport cargo, and later passengers, from one destination to another.
The painting was originally catalogued as the "S.S. Warrnambool" although it has a different design. It was also attributed to the ship portrait painter, the renowned C.K.M. - Charles Keith Miller - but differs from his style. Further research is being carried out at this time.
In 1966, between the closure of the old Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery and the distribution of the painting to Flagstaff Hill, this painting was repaired by David Heysen, son of the German-born artist Hans Heysen OBE. David was born in Hahndorf (called Ambleside for a short period of time), South Australia, married Lyly Refshauge from Melbourne, and they raised a family on their property in Kalangadoo, near Penola, in South Australia.The painting's frame is an example of handmade carving and joinery created in the late 19th century. The artist has depicted the image of a historical sail-and-steam ship of the type in which cargo was traded across the world, including to and from Australia. Vessels such as this also brought migrants to Australia.Painting, oil on board, in hand carved wooden frame with floral and geometric pattern, inner border painted gold. Image of a two-masted sail and steam ship, sails raised, black funnel emitting smoke. Hull is black with white horizontal stripe and white trim around sides of deck. Three lifeboats are visible. Bow is ‘clipper shape’ with what appears to be a figurehead. A red ensign flag flies at the stern and a blue and red flag is attached to the mainmast. The frame has been assembled using Mortice and Tenon joints, one of which is exposed on the back, lower right corner. Chandelier chain has been attached for hanging.
There is no visible signature, date or title on the front of the painting.
The back board has empty holes spaced around the edge and is held in place by staples. The visible surface has remnants of adhesive from two rectangular attachment s. There are two small white stickers attached, one with a hand written inscription. There are pencil and pen inscriptions.
The painting is protected by cardboard with inscriptions in marking pen.On back board, written in the style used by the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery:
- On white sticker, in pen “A-P31/1-74”
- Pencil “A27/1883 / Artist CKM 1883 / Title SS Warrnambool / oil on board”
Written in pen by the repairer
- “Repaired & re-drilled – cleaned etc. / David Heysen 11/66”
Written by Flagstaff Hill’s Cataloguer
- Pencil “3031”
On cardboard wrapper, in marking pen:
- “S.S. Warrnambool / by / C.K.M. 1883”
- “A-P/31/1-74”
- “3031”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, s s warrnambool, charles keith miller, charles miller, steam and sail ship, british merchant navy, slipper shaped bow, 19th century sea trade, warrnambool museum and art gallery, old warrnambool art gallery, hand carved picture frame, mortice and tennon picture frame, migrants, c.k.m.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.