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Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

Date1900-1920
Object numberANMS0227[028]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 151 x 199 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam
DescriptionA black and white photograph taken in the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, Queensland. To the left is a partial view of a small glasshouse. HistoryThe Botanic Gardens in Brisbane were officially opened in 1855. There had been gardens at the location prior to this that had been established in 1828 as program to provide food for the fledgling colony. The first overseer of the gardens was Walter Hill. Well suited to the job, Hill was an avid experimenter and his extensive trial plantings included trialling new crops including the introduction of tropical fruit trees and commercial crops such as tobacco and coffee. Mindful of the need to please visitors to the gardens, Hill also credted traditional style ornamental gardens. - Brisbane City Council, 2014. SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.