Charles Dirk Wittenoom (c. 1824 - 1866)

Wittenoom was a sketcher and farmer born in England fifth and youngest son of Reverend John Wittenoom. He arrived with his family at Fremantle on 30 January 1830 on the Wanstead. He left Fremantle on 11 April 1837 in the Shepherd for school in England, but was back in Western Australia by 1840. On 30 March 1853 he married Sarah Elizabeth Harding in Perth and settled on a property east of York.

He was taught drawing and painting by his father, the young Wittenoom made the drawings for these etchings before 11 April 1837, when he left Fremantle to attend school in England. Obviously a talented young painter, these historic views of Perth and Fremantle, made only ten years after settlement, are an important visual record of the fledgling colony.

References:
Kerr, J. The Dictionary of Australian Artists Painters, Sketchers, Photographers and Engravers to 1870 Melbourne 1992 p.875
Spartlis, A. A survey of Western Australian art from 1696. Subiaco 2008.  p.15