Brisbane Queensland Club from Botanic Gardens antique print c1886.

by Fitler, W.C.

Antique print of Queensland Club from Botanical Gardens across Alice Street to the eastern side of this fine building. The Queensland Club was founded in 1859, four days before the arrival of Governor Bowen to proclaim the separation of Queensland from New South Wales. Building commenced in 1883 and was completed in 1884.

Hand-coloured original wood engraving by Harley after a watercolour by American landscape artist William Crothers Fitler (1857-1915) for Picturesque Atlas of Australasia published in Sydney circa 1886. Picturesque Atlas of Australasia was published in Sydney between 1886 and 1888 to commemorate 100 years since the First Fleet settlement in Australia. Leading artists were commissioned to illustrate the discovery, settlement and development of Australia and New Zealand, in particular. From these artists’ drawings, over 700 engravings were carved (in reverse from a mirror) so that they could provide a correct perspective of each place. Most of the engravings were carved from wood, but some (in particular the finer portraits) combined early mezzotint engraving on steel plates. Some wood-engraved views even featured a lithographic border composed of Australian flora. The illustrations were some of the finest engravings produced anywhere in the world in the late 19th century.

The image size is 145 x 175mm (5 3/4 x 6 7/8 inches). This engraving is mounted between 'antique white' conservation matt board, and covered with cellophane for presentation and protection until frame selection.