Temporary exhibitions
Federation Gallery
Now on show: Cats and Dogs all at Sea. Until 31 August 2024.
An exciting photo exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museum. Black and white images courtesy of the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Cats, dogs, monkeys and birds have been cherished on board ships for as long as people have made sea voyages. In a life from which children and families are usually missing, pets provided an important source of comfort and affection on a voyage far away from home.
Renowned photographer Samuel Hoods boarded hundreds of ships between the 1900s and the 1950s that were berthed in Sydney Harbour. He took thousands of photographs of crew members, from deckhands to captains and ship owners, as a souvenir of their visit or to send home to families and loved ones.
Nearly all the photographs are posed formal portraits. In some, the sitter has chosen to be photographed with their beloved pet. More than just a ship's mascot, these animals and crew solemnly express he clear attachment that exists between them. Hood captured some of these relationships in his images, appreciating the special role these animals played on a ship's voyage.
The Museum has put on display a supplementary display, showcasing those animals who served on naval vessels at war and peace. These dogs and cats provided companionship, courage, affection, amusement and loyalty, a chance for sailors to be human in circumstances that often asked to to forget their humanity.
Another supplementary display features cats and dogs aboard the ships of Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917.