david coombe | history
SUMMARY: Gill's "Sketches of the Victoria Diggings and Diggers as they are" were published as lithographs by Macartney and Galbraith in 1852 in two parts. Part 1 was published in August 1852. This article catalogues the contents of Part 1.
This article also deals with matter common to the two parts.
Article type: CATALOGUE & ANALYSIS
In this article ...
For the historical narrative and background, see Victoria Diggings and Diggers As They Are : In Two Parts.
The following analysis applies to both parts.
The lithographs in parts 1 and 2 are about 15–17cm x 19–21cm; the sheets are slightly irregular in both size and shape.
As a matter of practicality, Gill could have comfortably fit two images onto a single lithographic stone; and then the sheets could be cut after printing. This would have made for a manageable process, producing 24 images from twelve stones. And then a cover image. Gill could have done it this way for each series, possibly reusing Part 1 stones to publish Part 2.
The lithographs are black ink on white paper. Additionally NLA has some hand-coloured prints.
In Adelaide Gill's first lithographs for Penman & Co. (Penman, Galbraith and Campbell) had also been several to a sheet:
S.T. Gill, Penman & Co., Heads of the People
December 1848 - August 1849. Lithographers Penman & Co.; J.A. Gilfillan; T. Rider; Gill's 'Heads of the People' in May, July, August 1849.
Gill's large colour Forest Creek lithograph is 37cm x 62cm (14½ x 24½ inches) – the equivalent of six black and white. Ham's was 27cm x 41cm (10½ x 16¼ inches). Angas's was 26cm x 35.5cm (10¼ x 14 inches). Gill could fit 2 per Ham or Angas, 4 or 6 per Forest Creek.
There has sometimes been confusion over the contents of parts 1 and 2.
The two parts, each of 24 plates, were issued by Macartney and Galbraith as loose prints within a lithographed paper folder "cover page".Ferguson, 9920 As a result individual prints would have come adrift from each other over time, making it impossible to be confident of contents, let alone order (if any was intended) within each series.
One reliable source (as used by Bowden) for the contents is the London published set of Part 1 by H H Collins and Piper Brothers in 1853. Three copies of which are held in SLNSW, one of which is digitised. (See References below). (There was no London version of Part 2.) Bowden lists the titles in each part, and uses the London order for Part 1. While London is a reliable source for the contents, it is not reliable for the order, for the same reason that London would have received loose prints.
Bowden (1971, p. 122-123) noted: "Different order of contents and variation in the contents in the two parts." Bowden listed the contents for Part 1 and since then it has been treated as authoritative by catalogues. Bowden gave no source for his order, but presumably used that from one of three bound London versions in SLNSW. The order doesn't make narrative sense.
Ferguson's Bibliography of Australia (reference no. 9920) doesn't list contents for either part.
British Museum has a good complete collection of 24 lithographs from Part 1 (follow link and select "Related Objects").
On the basis of the London republication and the British Museum set, we can have confidence in the contents of Part 1 and, by extrapolation, Part 2.
What about the order?
Each folder may of course been filled in a random order as the sheets came off the press. However I imagine Gill had some narrative in mind, just as he did in the 1847 Adelaide exhibition for his Horrocks pictures. Grishin (82): "In keeping with Victorian period conventions of narrative illustration, Gill quite often presents his images in binary pairs – for example, Diggers of High Degree and Diggers of Low Degree ..."
So given there is no correct order, I present them in a way I think Gill may have arranged them in an exhibition. Some of Gill's original sequence of sketching is known from his dates on three scenes.
In the lists of works for Parts 1 and 2, I give Bowden's sequence numbering for cross-reference.
National Library of Australia has the two parts, with each cover showing "Stephen Thomas Gill". However this is not present on the SLNSW Part 2 cover. close examination reveals the NLA script was written later in ink (by an owner/collector) and not printed by the publisher as Grishin thought may have been the case.Grishin 78
Collins 1853. Gill, Samuel Thomas, and H. H. Collins & Co. and Piper Brothers & Co.Sketches of the Victoria Gold Diggings and Diggers as They Are. Part I [Picture] / by S.T.G., 1853. SLNSW Q85/57 , Q85/59 , Q85/58
Ferguson, John Alexander. Bibliography of Australia Sydney: Angus and Robertson, 1963. See online for Gill 9920 reference: <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-506141353/view?partId=nla.obj-508567686#page/n1114/mode/1up>
Listed here are the lithographs for this part 1 of Victoria Diggings and Diggers as they are.
As the lithographs are multiples, there are several of each in collections, and I sometimes include references to other holdings. SLV has an thorough representation but the great majority of them have been susbsequently captioned below the image and this has occasionally been used instead of Gill's original title. Several of NLA's lithographs have been coloured.
Scroll down to see all pictures along with detailed notes or click a link to jump to a specific work from the list.
Cover for Victoria gold diggings and diggers as they are. Part 1 | National Library of Australia PIC Volume 180 S105
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a | 21(H) x 15.5(W) cm
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Titled: "Part the First Containing 24 Sketches of the Victoria Gold Diggings and Diggers as They Are, By S. T. G. / Lithographed & Published by Macartney & Galbraith, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne. August 1852".
The title page is a collection of scenes, many of which echo the individual prints, however there are scenes here that are not found elsewhere, particularly 1) the road out of Melbourne bounded by three rail fence and busy with traffic to and from the diggings, and 2) a flock of sheep and a herd of cattle being driven (to the diggings). The road out of Melbourne is the central subject. There are also several echoes of "Diggers on way" in the perimeter scenes.
SLNSW-DL Q85/55 https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/74VvW36AP5Nb (also Q85/56)
NLA PIC Volume 180 S105 https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135680159/view
NLA copy has "Stephen Thomas Gill" below in the same way as the Part 2 Cover (NLA PIC Volume 181 S130) - both digitised. However this was written later in ink (by an owner/collector).
Bowden numbering: Part 1, cover.
See also S.T. Gill - Subject - Diggers on way.
750
The newly arrived Inquiring | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.24
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
A digger reclines on his gold cradle with a pipe and bottle. In the background are diggers and tents on the diggings. A well-dressed new arrival seeks out information.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 15. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 13. BM 1968,0614.35.
See also SLV H7841. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S112 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135675208>.
695
Digger's hut, canvas and bark, F. Creek | State Library Victoria H7831
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
The diggers' hut, clad with bark sheets and canvas, is the main focus. At the entrance a woman and baby talking with the digger who carries a spade over his shoulder. A joint of meat hangs at the hut's entrance. Another man warms his hands over the fire which has a pot and kettle. Various implements are scattered about. Behind the hut (right) are a bullock dray and other dwellings. A tent and other people are seen in the (left) distance.
From the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.02 "Diggers hut - Canvas & Bark - F. Creek - June 16th". See the corresponding preparatory sketch.
There are small changes between preparatory sketch and lithograph:
Diggers of low degree | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.19
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
One of a pair showing diggers of higher and lower degree. The low degree diggers look ready for an argument or fight and a pipe and empty bottle are on the ground. In the background are tents on the diggings.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 2. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 2. BM 1968,0614.21.
See also SLV H7803. See also a coloured copy at NLA NK586/41 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135673245>.
672
Diggers of high degree | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.12
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
One of a pair showing diggers of higher and lower degree. The high degree diggers have a pair of books beside their spade! And the man at right wears glasses.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 1. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 1. BM 1968,0614.23.
See also SLV H7804. See also a coloured copy at NLA NK586/40 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135673409>.
673
License inspected, Forrest Creek | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.8
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
At Forest Creek diggings an armed inspector checks gold licences for a pair of diggers, one of whom is a black man. In the background a man - lacking a licence - is led away.
In his column "Mems on the Mount", Bryce Ross reported on 4 May 1852: "On the ground opposite the Head Commissioner's camp ... five American blacks last week, after sinking forty feet, took out, nearly at one sweep, 187 ounces of gold, and sold their hole next day for £200 cash down." Hobarton Guardian, or, True Friend of Tasmania, 26 May 1852: 4. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173061917>.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 5. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 3. BM 1968,0614.32.
See also AGSA 637G10, SLV H7807. See also an (uncoloured) copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S117 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148465469>.
686
Cradling, Forrest Creek | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.31
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
At Forest Creek two diggers are washing for gold using a cradle. One rocks the cradle and holds a stick for stirring the stuff. The other in the striped shirt pours water from the stream into the cradle. using a long-handled pot. Next to them on the ground is a spade and pan. In the background are further diggings, a wooden hut with substantial chimney and a miners store tent.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 13. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 11. BM 1968,0614.19.
See also SLV H7822. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S118 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135677405>.
720
Recovery of stray horses announced | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.18
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
A man sits with a newspaper and is in discussion with another, while a third laments the bottle is empty. A horse collar is among the many items in the foreground. The main subject is a common one on the diggings - lost, strayed or stolen horses. The venue may be a store tent.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 16. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 14. BM 1968,0614.27.
See also SLV H7812. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S120 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135674081>.
674
Mounted Police, Gold escort guard, Mt. Alexander | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.9
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
The head of the mounted police gold escort about to leave Mount Alexander for Melbourne. The rest of the escort is behind. This is the same subject as, although not an identical scene to, the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.09 "Police &c - Eagle Hawk - Diggings".
Bowden: Part 1, no. 17. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 15. BM 1968,0614.16.
See also SLV H7830. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S128 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135675880>.
See the similar preparatory sketch.
698
Mt. Alex'dr [Mt. Alexander] Gold Escort en-route to Melbourne | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.15
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
The same subject but not the same scene as the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.10 "Mt. Alex'dr Gold Escort on Rout to Melbourne". It shows carriage of gold by pack horses. (The place could be the Black Forest.)
The Mount Alexander gold escort arrived at Melbourne Treasury on Friday 4 June 1852 with 15,420 ounces of gold. The gold was carried on pack horses, instead of on dray or cart, to avoid winter delays caused by the "bad state of the roads". (Source: Herald, quoted in Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer, 7 June 1852: 2 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91930963>.)
Bowden: Part 1, no. 24. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 22. BM 1968,0614.34.
See also SLV H7825. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S129 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135675689>.
See the corresponding preparatory sketch.
Map | S. T. Gill - Melbourne to the Diggings
677
Diggers on way to Bendigo | National Library of Australia PIC Volume 180 S110
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a | 15(H) x 20.8(W) cm
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
In this scene diggers are on their way to Bendigo. They are approaching well timbered country; a smashed tree stump in the foreground. Given the forested scenery and the timing of Gill's work, they are not travelling from Melbourne but are making their way from Forest Creek, Mount Alexander to the new diggings at Bendigo in June 1852.
The main group comprises three men, a boy and a dog; they are carrying rolled swags, except for the man on the right who carries what appears to be a dismantled gold cradle. The man on the left has a gold pan in one hand and kettle in the other. Beyond them is a couple (at right) - the woman wearing Gill's ubiquitous Norwich shawl. In front of the focus group is a loaded bullock dray and driver with stock whip. Further still along the road is a pack horse and more diggers.
See the corresponding preparatory sketch. There are small changes between preparatory sketch and lithograph:
Wayfaring diggers | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.16
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Two diggers take a break beside the road with a coffee pot on the fire, one sitting on his swag. A covered wagon and other travellers are in the background, thus linking narratively to "Diggers on way to Bendigo".
Bowden: Part 1, no. 22. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 20. BM 1968,0614.22.
See also SLV H7844. See also an (uncoloured) copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S115 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148464717>.
706
Phil my hearty | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.17
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
The title "The Equestrian Digger" is very faint near Gill's initials (l.l.). This was sometimes titled by the conversation "Ah Phil my hearty are that you. Is Jerry they's been a rollicking and a riging of me all along the b....y gully" (l.r.).
A conversation between an equestrian digger and a pedestrian digger who meet up again on the diggings.
Man 1: Ah Phil my hearty are that you?
Man 2: [It] is Jerry! They's been a rollicking and a rig[g]ing of me all along the [bloody] gully!
In the background surprised diggers rejoice at the reunion. The horse is branded "G" on the off shoulder.
Such a conversation would have been common among the many South Australians at Mount Alexander. The exchange seems something of a Cornish thing. "And for the newly-arrived miner, it was comforting to find familiar faces and customs in this 'Little Cornwall' on the other side of the world. One Cousin Jack described the misgivings he felt as he approached Kadina for the first time and then went on: 'But just as the coach pulled up, someone called out, "Who's that? - old Bill? - how is Redruth looking?", meaning the place I came from in Cornwall, and then another called out, "Is there anyone there from Cambourne?" Thus was my reception at Kadina." (Payton, Philip J., Pictorial history of Australia's Little Cornwall / Rigby Limited, 1978. page 19.)
Bowden: Part 1, no. 23. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 21. BM 1969,0614.29.
See also SLV H7843. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S121 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135676484>.
715
The Invalid Digger | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.5
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
The invalid digger sits outside his rough shelter, one boot off, warming his foot by the fire. There is a (medicine?) bottle beside him. His dog is engaged in his welfare. Activity continues on the diggings behind him.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 21. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 19. BM 1968,0614.37.
See also SLV H7819. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S116 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135673725>.
675
On Bendigo Creek | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.4
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Travellers on the road coming into Bendigo Creek diggings. The road leads through a treed landscape with diggings and tents. There are two timber buildings, one with a chimney (left). Although Bendigo Creek is also on the Mount Alexander diggings near Forest Creek, this is probably the "new" Bendigo diggings. In the lithograph, Gill adds the sign "Coffee" to the tent at right and, revealing his lithographic process, accidentally omits the chimney from the near timber building.
From the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.04 "On Bendigo Creek". See the corresponding preparatory sketch.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 8. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 6. BM 1968,0614.6.
See also SLV H7845. See also a coloured copy at NLA NK586/6 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135678998>.
718
Iron Bark Gully from road to Bendigo | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.11
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
The Bendigo road leads through a treed landscape of Iron Bark Gully with diggings and tents and one tent marked "Store". A horse and cart in the foreground.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 3. BM 1968,0614.38.
See also SLV H7820. See also a coloured copy at NLA NK586/1 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135679836>.
Map | S. T. Gill - Victorian Diggings
688
Iron Bark | National Library of Australia PIC Volume 180 S109
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
A scene at Iron Bark Gully (presumably) with its dominant iron bark trees. Two diggers look for gold near their tent using cradle and pans.
"Crossing to the north side of Bendigo, we enter the country of iron barks; the change is pleasing to the eye, although it is only a change from one monotony to another, for scarcely a tree of any other kind can be seen. The iron bark is, however, a very stately forest tree, growing clear from the ground without a spur, with deeply channeled corrupted bark, of great girth, and rising to a great
height before dividing into branches they resemble so many gigantic fluted Doric columns. But to return to my description, the new diggings lie northward from Bendigo ; leaving the Golden Gully and travelling northward, we cross the following gullies, in the following order:–Long Gully, Iron Bark ditto., Californian ditto., American ditto., Eagle Hawk ditto., Tatiara, or Rich Surface ditto., Peg-Leg ditto., Growler's ditto., Nuggetty ditto., Geelong ditto., New Golden ditto., Whipstick ditto. Let no new-comer take the above as an absolute guide, for some of these gullies join each other, and minor gullies, named and unnamed, join them. A stranger must enquire his way, and the above list will be a useful guide in making enquiries. "
Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer, 25 June 1852: 2 (DAILY and MORNING). <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91927212>
Bowden: Part 1, no. 11. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 9. BM 1968,0614.20.
See also NGA 2005.509.21.
697
Approach to Eagle Hawk Gully from road to Bendigo | Dixson Library, State Library of New South Wales DL Pd 215
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
A covered bullock dray like that in "Diggers on way to Bendigo" comes into Eagle Hawk Gully. A man on foot converses with a rider on the road that leads through treed landscape with many tents of the diggings. One tent at left is signed (but is indecipherable). The scene is dated in the caption (l.r.) "June 2??? 52" - probably 25th, 29th or 23rd (with 25th seeming the most likely reading).
From the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.11 "Eagle Hawk Gully". Gill made some changes from the preparatory sketch - significantly the title is dated, "Medicen" is omitted and the bullock dray has a cover added.
See the corresponding preparatory sketch.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 19. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 17. BM 1968,0614.25.
See also SLV H7835. See also NLA PIC Volume 180 S108.
BM has a good clean image at <https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1969-0614-25>.
Map | S. T. Gill - Victorian Diggings
701
Diggers Auction, Eagle Hawk, Bendigo | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.37
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
From the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.12 "Diggers Auction". See the corresponding preparatory sketch.
A digger is apparently auctioning off his pick and grilling iron to a small and less than enthusiastic crowd. In the background are large tents and a mounted policeman. The tree (right foreground) has attached notices marked "Auction" and "Sale" in the sketch but "Sale" and "Lost" in the lithograph. In the sketch the tree is labelled "Iron B" for iron bark and has a wheel leaning against it, but the wheel is omitted from the narrower lithograph.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 6. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 4. BM 1968,0614.33.
See also SLV H7802. See also a coloured copy at NLA NK586/9 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135678470>.
692
Interesting statement - on quality of washing stuff | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.23
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Over a mug of tea, two cheerful looking diggers discuss the quality of the "stuff" dug from their hole. One leans on their winch (and bucket). In the background is a dray and another digger washing with tin pan. The diggers may be considering whether they should cart their stuff somewhere where there is more water for cradling.
"The weather is and has been for the last ten days very fine, dry clear sun shiny and yet cool ... as for gold washing even those who have horses and carts don't take their stuff to be washed; all in this gully are busy dry-nuggeting, piling the washing stuff near their tents to be ready when rain falls." Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer, 18 June 1852: 2 (DAILY and MORNING). <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91928703>
Bowden: Part 1, no. 18. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 16. BM 1968,0614.28.
See also SLV H7827. See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S119 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135674244>.
724
Gold buyer - the market price discussed, Eagle Hawk | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.25
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
In a miners' store a gold buyer weighs the digger's offering in front of a poster: "Best Price Given for Gold". Gill seems to represent the buyer as a Jew (with prominent nose).
Bowden: Part 1, no. 7. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 5. BM 1968,0614.30.
See also SLV H7818. See also an (uncoloured) copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S127 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148466214>.
691
A Bendigo mill | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.13
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
A bare knuckle boxing match being watched by a small crowd. The word "mill" is used here in its sense of a "pugilistic encounter". In the background of the lithograph a tent with a flag atop suggests the nearby presence of goldfields police.
From the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.05 "A Bendigo Mill / June 30". See the corresponding preparatory sketch.When Gill transferred this sketch to lithograph stone, he dated the scene "June 30st, 1852", while reversing the "3" in the process. This has been generally misread (and so miscatalogued) as "June 20th".
Bowden: Part 1, no. 9. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 7. BM 1968,0614.24.
See also SLV H7834. See also a clear and coloured copy at NLA NK586/11 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135678151>. See also UniMelb 1973.0358.000.000 <http://storeroom.its.unimelb.edu.au/ipm/?record=ecatalogue.7658>.
699
Diggers on rout to deposit Gold | National Gallery of Australia 2005.509.20
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Diggers are on their way to deposit their gold (likely for a gold escort or to be assayed).
Bowden: Part 1, no. 14. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 12. BM 1968,0614.39.
See also SLV H7832.
693
Successfull Diggers on way from Bendigo | State Library Victoria H7811
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Three diggers on horseback ride at pace with their gold from the Bendigo rush. They are possibly heading to Forest Creek to sell or deposit their gold for safe transport out of the goldfields. A pedestrian digger watches. In the sketch one horse carries a brand "G" on its rump whereas in the lithograph another horse has "S" on its near forequarterr - the artist's initials.
From the preparatory sketch SLNSW PXA 6912 f.13 "Successfull Diggers on way from Bendigo". See the corresponding preparatory sketch.
Bowden: Part 1, no. 10. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 8. BM 1968,0614.18.
See also a coloured copy at NLA NK586/12 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135677991>. Also 2005.509.14.
683
Gold taken via Bendigo or elsewhere | State Library Victoria H7808 b
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1852-07/1852-08 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - Diggings and Diggers 1852 - Part 1
Two armed, dangerous and suspicious men waiting to rob diggers on the road.
Gill has characteristically erred spelling "Voluntrary" instead of "Voluntary".
"BUSHRANGING. - A gang of five men, ruffians from Van Diemen's Land, have recently been levying contributions by mouth of pistol from many of the travellers to and from Eagle Hawk Gully at Bendigo. On Tuesday last they bailed up a party of golddiggers and robbed them of all they possessed ... – Melbourne Paper" The Courier (Hobart, Tas.) 7 July 1852: 3. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2958794>
Bowden: Part 1, no. 20. SLNSW D Q85/57 no. 18. BM 1968,0614.36.
See also a coloured copy at NLA PIC Volume 180 S126 <https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135673928>.
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David Coombe. Original 4 January 2026. Updated 22 January 20026. | text copyright (except where indicated)
CITE THIS: David Coombe, 2026, S.T. Gill - Victoria Gold Diggings and Diggers as they are (1852) - Part 1, accessed dd mmm yyyy, <http://coombe.id.au/S_T_Gill/S_T_Gill_1852_Diggings_and_Diggers_Part_1.htm>