Whale Oil Collection

Whaling ship diagram, 1800s
Deck plan and cutaway view of whaling schooner " Amelia" of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

The Whale, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Whale, c1850. Around the main illustration of harpooning a whale and the whalers being tossed from their boat are vignettes of the uses to which the whale was put after the carcass had been cut

The Whale-oil Refinery near the Village of Smerenburg, 1639. Creator: Cornelis de Man
The Whale-oil Refinery near the Village of Smerenburg, 1639. Other Title(s): A Whale-Oil Factory of the Nordic or Greenland Company on Amsterdam Island at the north end of Spitzbergen (Svalbard)

Boiling Train Oil at Nymindegab, Jutland, 1879. Creator: Laurits Tuxen
Boiling Train Oil at Nymindegab, Jutland, 1879. [Oil obtained from the blubber of whales was sometimes known as train oil]

Whale Oil Ship Lamp, 1935/1942. Creator: Howard Lumbard
Whale Oil Ship Lamp, 1935/1942

Portable Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1938. Creator: James M. Lawson
Portable Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1938

Whale Oil Lamp, 1935 / 1942. Creator: James M. Lawson
Whale Oil Lamp, 1935/1942

Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1939. Creator: Edward L Loper
Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1939

Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1938. Creator: William H Edwards
Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1938

Sperm Oil Lamp, c. 1941. Creator: Davids De Vault
Sperm Oil Lamp, c. 1941

Whale Oil Lamp, 1935 / 1942. Creator: Francis Law Durand
Whale Oil Lamp, 1935/1942

Husvik whaling station, South Georgia, with a whaling ship (right) rusting away on a slipway, with seals in the foreground. This is one of several abandoned whaling stations in South Georgia

Grytviken whaling station, South Georgia, aerial photograph. This is one of several abandoned whaling stations in South Georgia

Grytviken whaling station, South Georgia, covered in snow. This is one of several abandoned whaling stations in South Georgia. The church (right) was prefabricated in Norway and erected here in 1913

The National Geographic Endeavour anchored at the old Norwegian whaling station at Whalers Cove, Deception Island
Michael S. Nolan / SplashdownDirect

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"Whale Oil: Illuminating the Past and Shaping History" Step aboard a whaling ship in the 1800s, where brave sailors embarked on treacherous journeys to hunt these magnificent creatures. As you examine a detailed diagram of the vessel, marvel at the ingenuity required for such perilous expeditions. In 1850, artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins captured the awe-inspiring beauty of whales in his masterpiece "The Whale. " This stunning artwork serves as a reminder of their majesty and importance throughout history. Enter the world of illumination with portable whale oil lamps from the late 1930s. Crafted by skilled creator James M. Lawson, these lamps provided light during an era when electricity was not yet widespread. The soft glow emitted by these vintage treasures evokes nostalgia for simpler times. Edward L Loper's whale oil lamp from 1939 showcases exquisite craftsmanship that stands as a testament to human creativity and resourcefulness. Its intricate design reflects both functionality and aesthetic appeal. William H Edwards' whale oil lamp from 1938 exemplifies how this precious substance was utilized across different styles and periods. These lamps were not only practical but also served as decorative pieces within households worldwide. Sperm oil lamps crafted by Davids De Vault in 1941 demonstrate another facet of this industry's rich history. Sourced from sperm whales, this valuable oil played a significant role in lighting homes during wartime challenges. Francis Law Durand's whale oil lamp from the mid-20th century represents an era when alternative energy sources began replacing traditional ones like whale oil. It symbolizes society's transition towards more sustainable practices while honoring our past reliance on these remarkable marine mammals. Venture into Australia's Western Australia region, specifically Albany's Whale World – once a bustling whaling station – now transformed into an educational site preserving this historical chapter while promoting conservation efforts for future generations to appreciate.