The collection donated to the Library contains underwater views of the shipwrecks Children, Schomberg, Marie Gabrielle, Loch Ard, Fiji, Newfield, La Bella, Falls of Halladale and Antares, and of the reputed 'Mahogany Ship'. There are photographs of anchors and rudder fittings from the ships and of the passengers' personal belongings such as riding spurs, wine bottles, chandelier prisms and toys. Embedded in the sand or surrounded by the blueness of the Southern Ocean, these objects are a poignant reminder of the human cost of a shipwreck. We are left to wonder how such fragile objects could survive violent storms that could batter and wreck entire ships.
The Victorian Heritage Council's Historic Shipwreck Advisory Committee rank Phillip Doak's documentation of Victoria's shipwrecks very highly. They regard the work he did capturing the changing conditions of the Fiji and the Loch Ard at significant points as especially important. The quality of Phillip's work is remarkable, given his lack of professional training in photography.
Phillip also documented the natural treasures of the Southern Ocean. Among his photographic archive are beautiful studies of the underwater flora and fauna from the coast between Cape Otway and Port Fairy.
The State Library of Victoria is grateful to Phillip Doak's parents, Alick and France Doak, for their generosity in donating the collection in its entirety, so that it can remain together. It is a significant addition to the Library's collection of shipping images.
Illustrations
Top left: Item recovered from shipwrecks along the south-west coast.
Top right: A diver investigates a wreck.
Below: Wreck of the Loch Ard near Sherbrooke River [1878] from the Illustrated Australian News, Pictures Collection |
