Attow's pineapple plantation, Nudgee

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[067]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 147 x 200 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white image of a pineapple plantation showing rows of pineapples. The title of the image is 'Attow's pineapple plantation. Nudgee near Brisbane Q E142'.HistoryThe first pineapples introduced to Australia were likely brought in by German missionaries in 1838 who had travelled to Australia via India. Queensland and northern New South Wales proved to have favourable conditions for the growing of pineapples and the first commercial planting were established near Nudgee at Nundah in the early 1840s. In the early days all planting, fertilising and harvesting was done by hand, a laborious task but when the rail line to Brisbane opened at Nudgee in 1882, it allowed local produce to be sent quickly to Brisbane's markets and further beyond. 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.