Board games reflect the times in which they are created. In the 1850s, gold rushes in Australia created interest around the world and this game, which involves a race to reach the diggings and unearth a fortune in gold, was produced in England to tap into that interest.
'Gold Fields of Australia' was printed in England by Darton & Co, which specialised in educational games. The board is enclosed in a red linen-backed cover which folds out to reveal a series of twenty five hand-coloured illustrations showing the experiences of gold prospectors in a strange but exciting country. The illustrations detail the progress of the newly arrived immigrants to the colony, their journey across the Blue Mountains, their adventures on the way to the diggings and life on the gold fields.
'Gold Fields of Australia' was played in the same manner as modern board games but with moves determined by spinning a teetotum rather than by throwing dice. During the reign of Queen Victoria, dice throwing was associated with gambling and was considered an unsuitable pastime for children. A teetotum was a six-sided cardboard or ivory disc with a horizontal spindle through its centre. When spun, the number that finished uppermost determined the player's move.
Unfortunately we do not have the game's rule sheet, but clearly it combines the spectacle of daily life on the gold fields with the element of luck to produce a game in which the player or 'miner' can make a fortune. This theme would have greatly appealed to British children whose relatives had journeyed to the gold fields to try their luck. The appeal of 'hidden treasure' was enhanced by the newness of Australia as a settlement and its peculiar flora and fauna.
This is a rare example of nineteenth century board game made in England with an Australian theme. The illustrations and story of the game informed players of living conditions in Australia and provided entertainment of a kind most suited to Victorian society.
The museum's copy is inscribed to 'Louisa M. Lidbetter, from her cousins T & D Lidbetter, 2 month 1856'.
Possibly designed by the printer Darton & Co. Printed by Darton & Co, Holborn Hill, England. An 1819 list of London booksellers and publishers includes Darton Jun of Holborn under the category juvenile literature. Darton senior was William Darton (1755-1819), a Quaker who by 1788 was in business as a printer, engraver and book publisher at Gracechurch Street London. In 1791 he went into partnership and formed the business Darton & Harvey specialising in children's books. Although the partners changed, the company remained in production until 1852.
Gold was discovered in Australia in 1851. It is unlikely that board games on this subject would have appeared before 1853. The inscription on this game indicates that the latest possible date of manufacture is 1856.
On the inside cover of the box it is inscribed to 'Louisa M. Lidbetter, from her cousins T & D Lidbetter, 2 month 1856'.
Gold was discovered in Australia in 1851, precipitating a rush by thousands of city dwellers to the gold fields of Bathurst and Ballarat. By 1852 news of the discovery had spread around the world. Gold-seekers came from as far away as America, China and Europe to try their luck at the Australian diggings.
While many diggers made their fortunes at the gold fields, for others the venture was a failure. Hard work and persistence were important for success, although some struck it lucky immediately while others toiled in vain. Luck was a powerful though unpredictable force at the diggings.
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