Artists statement

THE HOME OF THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS
By 1907 the Mission to Seafarers Victoria had moved from providing its services aboard a floating vessel, the Emily, to three different bases in Melbourne locations: Williamstown, Port Melbourne and the North Bank of the Yarra - opening a central home in 1907, and finally at 717 Flinders Street in 1917.
The Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex, includes the landmark domed gymnasium, which opened in 1920. The State heritage listed buildings of the Mission are considered architecturally significant urban examples of two distinct architectural styles: the external Spanish Mission Revival and the Arts and Crafts influence of the interior.
This window, titled ‘Missions to Seamen’, was installed in 1980 and depicts a cargo ship, tug and lighthouse representing the working seaman, and is further supported by the Flying Angel emblem of the Mission to Seafarers ministry.

Historical information

Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel.
This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June-July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum.
The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip.
This frame is showcasing the window depicting a ship and tugboat, two photographs of the Flinders Street building and seamen departing for a picnic.

Physical description

Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signage

Inscriptions & markings

on label:
ABOVE: A photograph of the Mission to Seafarers complex on Flinders Street with horse drawn carts going by, taken in 1927
BELOW: Visiting seafarers gathered in front of the Mission entrance prior to a picnic on Boxing Day 1926