The New Rotunda, Torrens dam, Adelaide.

Rare c.19th hand coloured engraving of the Elder Park rotunda on the River Torrens, Adelaide, depicting the ornamental rotunda and surrounding parkland.

Elder Park was established on the northern bank of the River Torrens in central Adelaide and named in recognition of Sir Thomas Elder, whose substantial benefaction assisted the development of the park. The rotunda formed part of the improvements made to the riverbank during the late c.19th, when the area was developed as a public recreational and ornamental space.

The ornamental fountain associated with the park incorporated ironwork manufactured at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, one of Scotland’s leading producers of architectural and ornamental ironwork. The foundry, established by Walter MacFarlane, was renowned for its elaborate cast-iron fountains, bandstands and other public works, many of which were exported throughout the British Empire.

From the original edition of the Australasian Sketcher.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 914558
State Library New South Wales: REF1/MAV/FM4/9236-9239
State Library Victoria: PCINF AS 06-09-73 P.104