Boyd Town, Twofold Bay, Australia

Artist Elizabeth Hudspeth

Date1855

Object number00030874

NameLithograph

MediumColour lithographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 240 x 330 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis is an idyllic view near the settlement of Twofold Bay and depicts a sailing boat, rocky shoreline and surrounding mountains. The print was produced in England from drawings the artist made while visiting a friend at Twofold Bay, New South Wales. The port of Boyd Town was one of two settlements established by the entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd at Twofold Bay.HistoryBenjamin Boyd hoped to build a bustling development in Twofold Bay. He founded two settlements there, first the port at Boyd Town and then the whaling station at East Boyd. During building construction and the establishment of the whaling station the manager in charge of operations was noted marine painter, Oswald Brierly, who observed and recorded the whaling activities. In 1849, Boyd’s investments had financially collapsed and he left Australia with his extensive plans for Twofold Bay not reaching full fruition. Many operations at the settlement stopped but the whaling station continued and became the longest operating shore station in New South Wales, only closing in 1930. SignificanceThis is a fine representation of an early whaling town in Australia and demonstrates European settlement in the colony.