Monday, February 11, 2008

Empire Doll


"HMAS Canberra Souvenir", 2008, Oil on linen on board, 14.6 x 14.6cm (5 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches)
SOLD

Commissioned in July 1928, HMAS Canberra was an Australian warship, it would have docked at various ports and souvenirs like this doll would have been handed out to mark the auspicious occasion. CANBERRA operated with the naval force supporting the American landings at Guadalcanal and Tulagi in World War II, unfortunately, the ship was struck by two torpedoes, the wounded and survivors were transferred to USS PATTERSON and USS BLUE and the ship sank on the 9th August 1942. I would say the doll dates back near the original launch of the ship in 1928.
#17