Historical information

This oil painting, mounted in a handmade, carved frame, was originally held in the old Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery, which was established in the 1880s.

The painting depicts the sail and steam-powered ship, S.S. Warrnambool, built in 1892, during the transition between clipper ships with their billowing sails and steam-powered ships that moved at a greater pace. The flag flown from the stern signifies the British Merchant Navy that traded around the world to transport cargo, and later passengers, from one destination to another. During its lifetime, the S.S. Warrnambool underwent several modifications, upgrades and changes in its design.

The painting was attributed to the ship portrait painter, the renowned C.K.M. - Charles Keith Miller. At some point, it was catalogued with the date 1883. However, the correct date is 1892. The artist's name and date are covered by the repaired frame, but are verified on the transfer document between the Warrnambool Art Gallery and Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village.

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), South Australia, married Lyly Refshauge from Melbourne, and they raised a family on their property in Kalangadoo, near Penola, in South Australia.

Significance

The painting is significant for its handmade, ornately carved frame, joined by a craftsman. It is an example of craft 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. It is a transitional time between sail and steam, helping to interpret the evolution of power used to move ships. Vessels such as this also brought migrants to Australia.

Physical description

Painting, oil on board, of the screw steamer SS Warrnambool, by artist C.K.M. dated 1892.
The painting is mounted in a hand-carved wooden frame with a floral and geometric pattern, and the inner border is painted gold. It depicts a two-masted sail and steam ship, sails raised, and a black funnel emitting smoke. Hull is black with a white horizontal stripe and white trim around the sides of the deck. Three lifeboats are visible. The clipper shape bow appears to have 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. A chandelier chain has been attached for hanging.
The signature, date and title are no longer visible, perhaps due to the
The backboard has empty holes around the edge and is held in place by staples. The visible surface has remnants of adhesive from two rectangular attachments. There are two small white stickers attached, one with a handwritten inscription. There are pencil and pen inscriptions.
The painting is protected by cardboard with inscriptions made with a marking pen.

Inscriptions & markings

On the backboard, 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 in pencil: “3031”
On a cardboard wrapper, in a marking pen:
- “S.S. Warrnambool / by / C.K.M. 1883” *
- “A-P/31/1-74”
- “3031”

*[NOTE: The painting is actually dated "1892" but has been marked in error as "1883"]