The Annexation of Christmas Island, Pacific Ocean, by the British Government Recently Proclaimed a British Possession by the Captain of H.M.S. “Imperieuse”. Hoisting the Union Jack, Flying Fish Cove.

Superb engraving from the original edition of The Graphic, a British newspaper which began in 1869 until 1932. Started by William Luson to compete against the established Illustrated London News, it employed some of the best artists and was an immediate success. The Graphic’s influence within the art world was immense, it’s many admirers included Va Gogh. Early engraving of the annexation of Christmas Island by Britain.

It depicts the history of European contact and annexation by Australia;

1643 Captain William Maynors of the English East India Company in the ship, Royal Mary, named the island  Christmas Day, in 1643.

1666 First appeared on Goos map and named Mony

1688  William Dampier visits in the Cygnet  landing on the west coast

1888 Annexation by the British Crown resulting from the discovery of an abundance of phosphate lime (fertiliser)