138 Ships

'138 Ships'

'138 Ships' is a captivating comic by Emma Louise Pratt offering a glimpse into a significant moment in Australian history—the Gold Rush of the 1850s.

The Historical Context of 1852

In the year 1852, Hobson's Bay, near modern-day Melbourne, Victoria, experienced an unprecedented surge in maritime activity. A remarkable total of 138 ships docked at the bay in just one week, carrying thousands of hopeful individuals eager to seek their fortunes in gold.

The Personal Narrative Within the Comic

Among those drawn to the shores of Hobson's Bay were Emma Louise Pratt's ancestors. The comic very thoughtfully weaves a family history of migration against the restrictive backdrop of the pandemic.