Old Tank Stream, Sydney historic antique print c1874

by Prout, John Skinner

Antique print of The Old Tank Stream, Sydney. The remains of this previous freshwater stream now runs through a tunnel below the lower end of the CBD, and is protected by a permanent conservation order because of its importance to the settlement at Sydney Cove. It flowed to the north from swampy high ground which is now bounded by Market, Park, Elizabeth and Pitt Streets. The wooden bridge that crossed the stream near the military barracks is where Bridge Street now is.

Black and white steel engraving by Thomas Heawood after a drawing by prominent English landscape artist and engraver John Skinner Prout (1805-1876) for Edwin Carton Booth’s Australia Illustrated published in London circa 1874 by Virtue and Company.  Skinner Prout was one of the principal artists for this wonderful publication illustrating Australia in the 19th century. This engraving was made from a mirror image of Skinner Prout's drawing.

Skinner Prout was born on 19 December 1805 at Plymouth in England. On 14 December 1840 he arrived in Sydney with his wife, their seven children, and a complete lithographic printing press. From early in 1841 Prout sketched and lithographed the Sydney regions. In January 1844 Prout moved to Hobart and drew Hobart and its environs for a series of lithographs.He helped organize and accompanied sketching trips in New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Prout and his family returned to England in April 1848.

This engraving is in fine condition with wide margins as issued. Page size is 215 x 270mm (8 1/2 x 10 5/8 inches). Engraving: 128 x 190mm (5 x 7 1/2 inches)