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Jimbour shearing shed, Queensland
Jimbour shearing shed, Queensland

Jimbour shearing shed, Queensland

Date1900-1920
Object numberANMS0227[066]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 149 x 197 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam
DescriptionA black and white photograph of the yards and shearing sheds at Jimbour Estate in Queensland. A large flock of sheep are herded and being watched over by a man on a horse and sheepdog. The title of the image is 'Jimbour shearing shed. 7000 Sheep waiting to be shorn'. Jimbour station became an extensive pastoral property in the region and from 1875 boasted an elaborate sandstone residence which is now listed on the Queensland Heritage register.HistoryThe residence on Jimbour station was built in 1877 by Joshua Bell who was the son of the previous owner, Thomas Bell. It was one of the biggest properties on the Darling Downs. It became associated with not only the wealth of the pastoral industry but also Queensland politics as Joshua Bell became a well-known politician and acted as the administrator of the colony throughout most of 1880. During the decade of 1850s and 1860s, wool prices were high and as a result the house at Jimbour became the most elaborate house built during that time in the area. "The Jimbour shearing shed was built some miles away from the homestead complex and could handle 250,000 sheep during the season, illustrating the size of the Jimbour pastoral enterprise. In 1899 Jimbour still comprised close to 130,000 acres and ran about 100,000 sheep." 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.