Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Courtship and Marriage, a fascinating game for 2, 3 or 4 players (c. 1910)

Courtship and Marriage, a fascinating game for 2, 3 or 4 players (c. 1910)

ML F/1730

Chromolithograph print on cardboard

Presented in 2011


This Australian-made board game takes players through the ups and downs of a typical Edwardian courtship – from ‘Introduction’ to ‘Happy Wedding’ – and is modelled on the traditional ‘Snakes & Ladders’ concept. Using a basic race game layout, with 60 numbered spaces running in a circular route, this simple ‘roll-and-move’ game is colourfully illustrated with delightful vignettes showing courting couples in period dress engaged in various social activities and courtship rituals. 


Starting in 1839, lithography (ie. printing from soft stone) took over from steel engraving in graphic production, enabling publishers to produce a wide variety of printed game boards in large quantities and priced for the mass market.

By the 1890s, colourfully-printed games were available mounted onto collapsible, folding boards and reflected a wide range of popular subjects and contemporary concerns. Often designed for moral instruction, or educational in tone, popular topics included historical or current events and geographical adventures as well as sporting and transport themes.

The earliest board games date from the 18th century. These were originally produced using steel engravings printed in black and white and embellished with hand colouring.