The Derwent, Tasmania, hills and sheep antique print c1874

by Prout, John Skinner

Sheep being driven along ridge above Derwent River in the late afternoon, with house high on the river bank, and town beyond, with mountains in the background.

Original steel engraving by Edward Brandard (1819-1898) after a drawing by prominent topographical artist and engraver, John Skinner Prout (1805-1876), for Edwin Carton Booth's Australia Illustrated, published in London circa 1874 by Virtue and Company. This is a wonderful record of how this region used to look before development in the last 150 years.

Skinner Prout was born in Plymouth, England, and in 1840 arrived in Sydney with his wife, their seven children, and a complete lithographic printing press. The following year he began lithographing his drawings of Sydney. In January 1844 Prout moved to Hobart and drew Hobart and the surrounding area for a series of lithographs. He helped to organize and often accompanied sketching clubs for his many sketching trips throughout New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Prout and his family returned to England in April 1848.

This antique print has fine later hand-colour, and is in good condition, with wide margins as published. Page size is approximately 210 x 270mm (8.1/4 x 10.1/2). Image 115 x 180mm (4 1/2 x 7 inches).