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Harvesting wheat, Darling Downs
Harvesting wheat, Darling Downs

Harvesting wheat, Darling Downs

Date1900-1920
Object numberANMS0227[057]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 150 x 20 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam
DescriptionA black and white photograph depicting a horse drawn harvester in the field. It is possibly a display event as there is a small crowd of people in the background and children watching from behind. The handwritten title of the image is 'Harvesting Wheat on the Downs" and likely refers to the Darling Downs region of Queensland which was a successful agricultural region since 1840.HistoryThe area known as the Darling Downs was originally inhabited by the Goonneeburra people and was first explored by Europeans in 1827. Following the report of the promising grazing lands to be found there, the area was soon settled by colonists in 1840 who began by sheep farming - a successful enterprise that boomed in the years that followed. In addition to livestock, the Darling Downs area was found suitable for a diverse range of crops and in addition to mining, to this day produces 1/4 of Queensland’s agricultural output. 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.