Photograph on ivory of Edwin Rouse (1806-1862), hand coloured simulating a miniature painting and mounted in purple velvet case. Possibly intended as a mourning object belonging to either his wife Hannah Hipkins (1819-1907) or his youngest son, Edwin Stephen (1849-1931). The design of the case, with integral stand, suggests it was an intimate keepsake intended for travelling.
Edwin Rouse was the fourth child of Richard Rouse (1774-1852), builder of Rouse Hill House in the Parramatta district of New South Wales, and his wife Elizabeth Adams (1772-1849). Born five years after his parents emigrated to New South Wales, Edwin played a key role in the establishment of his father's substantial pastoral holdings near Mudgee, including the property Guntawang. Edwin remained west of the mountains until after the death of his father, marrying Hannah Hipkins in 1840 and residing at Guntawang with their five children. After the death of his father, the family relocated to Rouse Hill House in 1855. [ref. Caroline Rouse Thornton
Rouse Hill house and the Rouses 1988].
