John Carmichael

John Carmichael was born in Edinburgh in 1803, and attended the Edinburgh Institute for the Deaf and Dumb where it was noted that he had “an excellent turn for drawing”.

Carmichael gained an apprenticeship as an engraver and immigrated to Australia aboard the TRITON in 1825.

Carmichael maintained an active career as an engraver in Sydney and received commissions to engrave maps, stamps, and illustrations for various publications. He also painted and taught art and became known as one of the most competent engravers in Sydney.

Carmichael is also regarded as one of the earliest free emigrant artists to pursue a lifelong professional career in New South Wales.