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Birds-eye view of Parramatta River, New South Wales
Birds-eye view of Parramatta River, New South Wales

Birds-eye view of Parramatta River, New South Wales

Printer (Australian)
Date23 June 1877
Object number00014613
NameLithograph
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 1080 x 740 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis three colour lithograph was produced as a supplement to the 'Illustrated Sydney News' 23 June 1877. The aerial view of the river and hinterland from Five Dock to Parramatta on the horizon names all the inlets and bays, and indicates the route taken by the scullers.HistoryEdward Trickett (1851-1916) was born in Sydney and became a professional sculler. After winning the Australian sculling Championship in 1875, he travelled to London to race in the World Sculling Championship on the Thames on 27 June 1876. Upon winning the race, and the World Championship, he became the first Australian to win a World title in any sport. He received a delirious welcome on his return to Sydney with a parade and was presented with a publicly subscribed purse of 850 pounds. Trickett successfully defended his title against Michael Rush on the Parramatta River in 1877. This was the first successful World Title defence in any sport in Australia. Trickett went on to successfully defend his World Title for a second time but lost in 1880 to Canadian Ned Hanlan. He rowed a few more races as Australian Champion but never reached the heights of 1876-79.SignificanceThis lithograph is representative of Sydney's Parramatta River and the waterways available for rowers in the 1870s.