Image is from the Illustrated Arctic News, a shipboard newspaper produced during the 1850-1851 search for the #FranklinExpedition, a facsimile of which was published in 1852. It shows a scene from the theatrical production of Charles XII. There are two very pretty female-presenting people in tight brown tops and brightly coloured hooped skirts, worn with coloured stockings. and a strapping male-presenting person in a tricorn hat, frogged navy jacket, white breeches and high black boots.
Shocked to hear that someone's had their nomination for a top Navy job rescinded for taking part in drag acts on board.
As if that wasn't a major part of shipboard life for centuries.
L-R George Frederick McDougall, Richard Bulkeley Pearse and George Frederick Mecham of #HMSResolute in 1850-51.
