Caroline Simpson Collection

Rock overhang forming a natural grotto in the grounds of Alexander Macleay's Elizabeth Bay estate, Sydney / photographer unknown

Ward, Edward Wolstenholme, Sir, 1823-1890

[c1858]

1 stereograph : sepia ; 7.8 x 17.1 cm.

The verso of the card is initialled EWW in ink.

Elizabeth Bay (Sydney Harbour, N.S.W.)
grottoes
overhanging rocks
rock shelters

This natural shelter near the harbour's edge at Elizabeth Bay is a rare survivor. It was sketched by Conrad Martens in the 1850s when it was a feature of Alexander Macleay's pleasure garden at Elizabeth Bay and survives today, with added decorative stonework, as part of the Arthur McElhone Reserve. The photograph has been attributed to both Robert Hunt (1830-1892) and Alexander Arthur Onslow (1833-1882), the latter attribution derived from the existence of another copy of this stereograph in an album belonging to Sir William Macarthur. The initials EWW on the verso of this photograph are those of Captain Edward Wolstenholme Ward, Deputy Master of the Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint, and could indicate either that Ward was the photographer or simply that he was the owner of the picture.

Josef Lebovic & Joanne Cahill, eds. Masterpieces of Australian photography Paddington, Josef Lebovic Gallery, 1989, p.37 (no.53) - erroneously identified as Lady Macquarie's Chair; Colleen Morris Lost gardens of Sydney Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, 2008, p.63.

Lost gardens of Sydney, exhibtion at Museum of Sydney on the site of First Government House, 9 August - 30 November 2008.

Elizabeth Bay House ; EB2003/6

You may save or print this image for research and study. If you wish to use it for any other purposes, you must contact Museums of History NSW to request permission.

Picture

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