Customs House, Eden, Twofold Bay, Australia
Artist
Elizabeth Hudspeth
Date1855
Object number00030875
NameLithograph
MediumColour lithographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 240 x 330 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis print shows the Customs House and two smaller buildings at the settlement of Twofold Bay in Australia. The Customs House documented records concerning vessel arrivals, departures and cargo movements in the Bay, which was established as a whaling settlement in 1843. This print was produced in England from drawings made by the artist while visiting a friend in Twofold Bay in 1854.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 picturesque scene is an early record of an Australian whaling settlement.
c 1897
