Early Pitt Street, colonial Sydney by Joseph Fowles c1845

by Fowles, Joseph

Sydney Pitt Street building elevations antique print.

Original etching circa 1848 of colonial Australia Georgian architecture drawn by Joseph Fowles (1809-1878) for his Sydney in 1848 in which he recorded the grand early buildings in Sydney, and named many - as well as their occupants. The Sydney Drawing Book by Joseph Fowles was the basis for art instruction in New South Wales government schools from 1869 to the 1880s. Joseph Fowles was drawing master at many schools in Sydney and was referred to as 'Father of Drawing in the city' (of Sydney) in the newspaper obituary following his death. This etching has fine later hand-colour, which certainly enhances the visual effect.

The buildings are predominantly higher than in other streets, they almost reach the lower edge of the page. The lower extremity of the page therefore has several small nicks where the publication was bound. There is also some soiling at top left of the page. Page measures approx 220 x 270mm. (8 5/8 x 10 5/8 inches)