Temporary exhibitions relating to maritime art

Generously supported by the Edmiston Trust. 

titleCarousel slide 1 image

Shipwrecks and seafaring

The story of New Zealand's shipwrecks in pictures and prose with pen portraits of some of the key personalities and survivors.

HMS ORPHEUS

In 1863, the Royal Navy ship HMS ORPHEUS was wrecked on a sandbar at the entrance to Auckland’s Manukau Harbour. It was New Zealand’s worst shipwreck. Of the 260 men thought to be on board, 189 lost their lives. Most could not swim and there were no life jackets. Of special significance in this collection is the brass and leather telescope belonging to the Manukau Pilot and Harbour Master, Captain Thomas Wing who witnessed the sinking of HMS ORPHEUS.

https://cdn.aucklandunlimited.com/maritime/assets/media/hms-orpheus-painting.webp

You might also like