View in Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[069]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 150 x 202 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white image of the shell and coral fountain that once stood in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. In the backgroiund is a lage pine tree. The title of the image is 'View in Botanic Gardens Brisbane'.HistoryThis fountain was designed by the Brisbane Botanic Gardens curator Philip MacMahon in around 1895-96. The dessiign and materila reflect gthe popularity at the time of what became known as 'rustic ornamental'. The general style of these fountains "included rough stonework (piles of rugged rocks), giant clam shells as catch-basins, the proliferation of mosses and ferns on the rocks, and water jets with surrounding circular water basins. The soft coralstone quarried on St. Helena Island in Moreton Bay was used in the construction of MacMahon's fountain and those on the Island itself." [Sim, Jeannie (2006). 'Climate and Garden Design in Queensland.' In Childs, R.W. and Hudson, J. (eds) (2006). Queensland Geographical Perspectives, Geographical Monograph Series No.12, Milton: Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, pp.189-215.]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.