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C1865
The Spade and Wheelbarrow Used by Governor Bowen i…
Rare engraving depicting the sterling silver ceremonial spade presented to Queensland’s Governor Sir George Bowen at the turning of the first sod of the first section of the Queensland Northern Railway from Rockhampton to Westwood, 27 September 1865. William Edwards … Read Full Description
$A 65
S/N: ISN-SILV-651016003A–353355
(DRW 06)
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Details
Full Title:
The Spade and Wheelbarrow Used by Governor Bowen in Turning the First Sod of the Rockhampton and Westwood Railway.
Date:
C1865
Condition:
In good condition.
Technique:
Engraving.
Image Size:
155mm
x 105mm
AUTHENTICITY
Genuine antique
dated:
1865
Description:
Rare engraving depicting the sterling silver ceremonial spade presented to Queensland’s Governor Sir George Bowen at the turning of the first sod of the first section of the Queensland Northern Railway from Rockhampton to Westwood, 27 September 1865.
William Edwards was a Melbourne silversmith who produced works of the highest quality. Edwards emigrated to Melbourne in 1857 while his brother, also a silversmith, continued to work in London in the family business. Bringing with him stock decorated with colonial motifs, to wholesale to retailers, Edwards had the advantage of being able to produce pieces here in Australia and also to import work from his brother’s workshop. He displayed his work at the International Exhibition in 1861 and the Intercolonial Exhibition in 1866-67, both in Melbourne. Edwards made sporting trophies, cup caskets, inkstands, epergnes and emu egg ornaments. His major commissions included a wedding gift for Princess of Wales in 1863, gifts for Prince Albert, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1867 he was given a Royal appointment.
Ref: John Hawkins: ‘William Edwards Silversmith, London and Sydney ‘, The Australian Antique Collector, July-December 1986, pp 72-74.
From the original edition of The Illustrated Sydney News.
References:
Gibbs & Shallard. Illustrated Sydney News. ISSN 2203-5397.
Collections:
State Library New South Wales: F8/39-40
State Library Victoria: PCINF SLVIC=1853-1872
National Library Australia: Bib ID 440095
Albert Charles Cooke (1836 - 1902)
Cooke was a painter, engraver, draughtsman and illustrator. Throughout his career he worked for many of the Illustrated newspapers, such as the Illustrated Sydney News, Illustrated Australian News, The Australasian Sketcher and The Leader. He was also well known for a series of birds eye views of a number of Australian cities and towns.
