The ship Wavertree, built 1885 is moved alongside the coal loading wharves at the Dyke in the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales. The Dyke was a long neck of reclaimed land facing the entrance to the Hunter River on the eastern shore of what was once Bullock Island. Reclamation has resulted in the area being renamed Carrington.

This painting was inspired by numerous stories told to me by those who experienced life under sail and who had taken part in the ritual of loading coal at Newcastle.

Coal was a regular cargo for sailing ships in the late 19th and early 20th century, when competition for general cargo from steam ships forced them into this trade. Most of the coal was taken to Chile and Peru where it fuelled the railways and the steamships that traded to that region. The absence of mechanised unloading facilities at these destinations made it unprofitable for steamships to participate in this trade. The crews of sailing ships however, were required to dig out the coal into barges alongside, while at anchor in the roads off these West Coast ports

Sailing ships that had discharged their inward cargo in Sydney and had secured a coal charter were usually towed up to Newcastle in ballast, as it was not worth trying to sail. This was not intended to save the labours of the crew. A tug would be required to take the sailer out of Sydney Harbour and also to bring her into Newcastle anyway and this distance could usually be covered in 24 hours. It was also likely that many in the crew had ‘jumped ship’ in Sydney so no more crew would be needed until the sailer had loaded in Newcastle and was ready to depart.

On arrival at Newcastle the bar at the entrance to the port had to be crossed. The bones of many ships lie in these sands, the result of bad weather and a tug that was unable to overcome the effects of wind and tide. When the sailer was towed in from the sea she was usually taken to Stockton on the northern shore of the river entrance where her ballast was discharged. In 1907 over 2 million tons of ballast was dumped.

This ballast was used to reclaim large areas of the Stockton and Bullock Island foreshore and much of the rubble from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake ended up here, brought by sailing ships, unable to get a cargo out of that port. This ballast was provided free and I have been told of human bones being found when this ballast was dug out. To maintain a sailing ship’s stability, some coal had to be loaded before all the ballast could be removed.

In the early 20th century there could be 100 sailing ships in port waiting their turn to go under the coal tips. At Stockton as well as the Dyke and Kings Wharf, they could be moored three abreast and stretched for several kilometres along the Dyke.

When a berth became available the sailer was moored adjacent to one of the hydraulic cranes that lined the wharf with its rail lines and their rows of coal trucks. The coal truck was actually a hopper on wheels. Containing 7-8 tonnes it was lifted off its bogie and swung over the hold and the contents released by pulling a pin on the underside by a man known as the pin boss. Men known as trimmers shovelled the mound of coal that built up in the hold out into the wings. Two of these can be seen in the painting, yarning in the foreground. The coal was  humped up in the centre to raise the centre of gravity otherwise the ship would become too ‘stiff’. Precautions were taken to prevent the coal ‘shifting’ in heavy seas. Longitudinal shifting boards were fixed to the ‘tween deck stanchions above the keel and the load covered with tarpaulins and old sails tommed to the sides and deck head. In spite of this it was not uncommon for the load to shift. The only course of action possible was for the crew to get below and shovel the mountain of coal back.

Lumps of coal that fell from the rail wagons was collected by enterprising individuals and some sold cheaply to shipmasters as fuel for the galley stove or donkey boiler.

When loaded, the sailer was moved to buoys, known as the ‘Farewell Buoys’ inside the entrance to the Hunter River. This allowed a day or two to bend sail (always removed from the yards when in port to prevent their becoming impregnated with coal dust) and to clean up the coal dust that found its way into every corner of the ship. New hands joined the ship at this point to replace deserters, including some still in a drunken sleep. Newcastle, one of the world’s great sailing ship ports was second only to San Francisco for the practise of  ‘crimping’ and ‘shanghaiing’, well into the 20th century. ‘Crimps’ were the labour brokers of the day and they supplied seamen  to ships about to depart. They were usually obtained from arriving ships a day or two previously. During a drunken run ashore seamen were induced to jump ship on the promise of a better ship and higher wages. I was told of one seaman waking up in the foc’s’le of his own ship after being drugged by some crimp who had targeted him in waterside bar.

Museum ship

Wavertree was dismasted off Cape Horn in 1910 but was able to reach the Falkland Islands where it was decided that it would be too costly to re-rig her. She was towed to Punta Arenas where she spent 37 years as a wool barge. She was then taken to Buenos Aires for use as a sand barge. It was here that Karl Kortum found her in 1966 and due to his efforts was acquired by South Street Seaport Museum, New York.

PRINT DETAILS – Select regular or large

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Overall:  29.7 x 42 (cm)  /  11.7 x 16.5 (in)
Image size:  20.5 x 28.6 (cm)  /  8.1 x 11.3 (in)

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$85 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Image: 40 x 53.5 (cm)  /  15.7 x 21 (in) approx, with a white border to allow for framing and matting.

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$175 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART
Regular print

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Overall:  29.7 x 42 (cm)  /  11.7 x 16.5 (in)
Image size:  20.5 x 28.6 (cm)  /  8.1 x 11.3 (in)

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$85 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART
Large print

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Image: 40 x 53.5 (cm)  /  15.7 x 21 (in) approx, with a white border to allow for framing and matting.

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$175 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

The ship Wavertree, built 1885 is moved alongside the coal loading wharves at the Dyke in the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales.

Read more

The Dyke was a long neck of reclaimed land facing the entrance to the Hunter River on the eastern shore of what was once Bullock Island. Reclamation has resulted in the area being renamed Carrington.

This painting was inspired by numerous stories told to me by those who experienced life under sail and who had taken part in the ritual of loading coal at Newcastle.

Coal was a regular cargo for sailing ships in the late 19th and early 20th century, when competition for general cargo from steam ships forced them into this trade. Most of the coal was taken to Chile and Peru where it fuelled the railways and the steamships that traded to that region. The absence of mechanised unloading facilities at these destinations made it unprofitable for steamships to participate in this trade. The crews of sailing ships however, were required to dig out the coal into barges alongside, while at anchor in the roads off these West Coast ports

Sailing ships that had discharged their inward cargo in Sydney and had secured a coal charter were usually towed up to Newcastle in ballast, as it was not worth trying to sail. This was not intended to save the labours of the crew. A tug would be required to take the sailer out of Sydney Harbour and also to bring her into Newcastle anyway and this distance could usually be covered in 24 hours. It was also likely that many in the crew had ‘jumped ship’ in Sydney so no more crew would be needed until the sailer had loaded in Newcastle and was ready to depart.

Museum ship

Wavertree was dismasted off Cape Horn in 1910 but was able to reach the Falkland Islands where it was decided that it would be too costly to re-rig her. She was towed to Punta Arenas where she spent 37 years as a wool barge. She was then taken to Buenos Aires for use as a sand barge. It was here that Karl Kortum found her in 1966 and due to his efforts was acquired by South Street Seaport Museum, New York.

PRINT DETAILS – Select regular or large

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Overall:  29.7 x 42 (cm)  /  11.7 x 16.5 (in)
Image size:  20.5 x 28.6 (cm)  /  8.1 x 11.3 (in)

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$85 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Image: 40 x 53.5 (cm)  /  15.7 x 21 (in) approx, with a white border to allow for framing and matting.

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$175 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

Regular print

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Overall:  29.7 x 42 (cm)  /  11.7 x 16.5 (in)
Image size:  20.5 x 28.6 (cm)  /  8.1 x 11.3 (in)

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$85 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Large print

Fine quality giclée print on Chromajet Spectrum 225 gsm satin paper.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Print care

Although the inks used for these giclée prints is guaranteed to last 90 years under normal circumstances, their life will be reduced if hung in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light. They are intended to be framed under UV inhibiting glass, using acid free mounting materials. Non-reflecting glass is also recommended.

Image: 40 x 53.5 (cm)  /  15.7 x 21 (in) approx, with a white border to allow for framing and matting.

Shipping locations:  We ship to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA for orders via the shopping cart. For other destinations please contact us for a shipping quote.

Shipping and delivery time

$175 AUD (includes shipping)

ADD TO CART

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us.