david coombe history
SUMMARY: 1848 was a quieter year for Gill. In 1847 he'd been busy finalising his watercolours of the Horrocks expedition, organising Adelaide's first "Exhibition of Pictures", and then producing the Burra Burra views for the South Australian Mining Association (SAMA) – each of these were sizeable projects. And in 1849 he would venture into lithography, notably the "Heads of the People" series. By contrast 1848 was quiet, with only a handful of known pictures so dated by Gill. And other than February 1848's art exhibition, there is no mention of him in the press.
The comparative quiet seems somewhat explained by the economic depression imported from Britain and which impacted South Australia mostly around September to November 1848.
Analysis: This article also analyses entries in the 1848 exhibition by Sydney artist Conrad Martens but attributed to E.L. Montefiore. Was this intentional or accidental?
Article type: NARRATIVE, ANALYSIS & CATALOGUE
In this article ...
Regular steam travel to and from Adelaide first began when Boyd's ship Juno arrived on 4 November 1847.1 One of the passengers on that inaugural visit, having departed Sydney on 20 October, was Adelaide merchant and promoter of "steam navigation", E.L. Montefiore. During his month long visit to Sydney, Montefiore had obtained art works from artist Conrad Martens – as evidenced by the October date on Martens' Millers Point sketch in Montefiore's album. Montefiore, then aged 27, was himself an amateur artist. (The significance of this conclusion will become apparent below.)
Five weeks after Montefiore's return, the South Australian Register newspaper published a letter urging preparations for another "Annual Exhibition of amateur [artists'] productions, as last year".2 Signed, "An Amateur who exhibited last Year", the letter writer was probably Montefiore. Any artist named in the previous exhibition catalogue could have easily corresponded under his own name. Montefiore was not so listed; but he may have been responsible for some of eight works by "An Amateur".3
The letter had its desired outcome.
The "Exhibition of Pictures, principally the works of artists residing in South Australia" was held in the Council Room, North Terrace, Adelaide, from 12 to 19 February 1848. The exhibition also extended to several works by "English and Continental artists".
The exhibition of pictures is in one respect less interesting than that of last year, as it does not entirely consist of the works of colonial artists. Still, the removal of the restriction has had the effect of admitting many pieces by masters both ancient and modern, which materially raise its character as a mere collection.
The state of the weather has prevented many persons from attending, who will no doubt do so to-day or to-morrow. We would direct their attention to the pictures of Messrs. Gill and Hamilton, which are to be seen on every side, to an exquisite print piece (No 29) by Burnard, birds, by the same artist (37), to several spirited drawings by E. L. Montefiore (22 and 25 in particular), and several pieces by Messrs. Skipper, Mildred, and other colonists.4
An extant catalogue is known up to number 555 but higher numbered entries were referenced in the press with the highest being 97.4 Of the 55 listed by Wilson & Borrow, 11 are by Gill.6 And six of these were of Burra Burra scenes sketched by Gill in April 1847 for the South Australian Mining Association (SAMA). (See: S.T. Gill and Burra Burra Mine 1847.) Other notable artists among the 55 listed are E.L. Montefiore (5), Martens (2), and George Hamilton (12).
For a select list of entries from this exhibition just scroll down or jump to Select Exhibits: Adelaide Exhibition of Pictures, February 1848.
Analysis of the exhibition entries raises questions of E.L. Montefiore's reputation. Either he claimed authorship of unsigned works by Conrad Martens or he was misattributed in the catalogue. (I've previously raised similar questions of Montefiore attribution for Gill works – see S.T. Gill and E.L. Montefiore.)
The February exhibition was Gill's last press mention for the year. However he did appear in print one more time – in the South Australian almanack and directory. It was running late in 1848 and only sought entries on 26 February.7 Gill had moved from last year's rooms in Leigh Street and submitted his new address. (His name was misprinted: "Gill, S. F., artist, Grenfell-street".)8
Some of Gill's activity that year is apparent from several works he signed "STG 1848".
Two pictures of Captain Francis Davison's house "Blakiston" and nearby St. James' church are dated 1848 by Gill and were likely part of a commission by Davison. A third undated picture of St. James' interior also seems to be in this group. Two occasions in 1848 suggest themselves as prompting this commission: the consecration of St. James' on 28 April and a service on 29 October. Both were attended by the Governor at the time. (And it may have been neither occasion.)
1848 saw a brief return to economic depression.
The new emigrant ship Constance arrived in South Australia on 26 August bringing bad financial news from England. The Adelaide papers noted "the very unsatisfactory state of affairs on the Continent and the total derangement of trade consequent thereon" and "the depression of the English wool-market owing to the unsettled state of the Continent and the dulness of trade at home".9
The imported depression heavily impacted South Australia's major exports of wool and copper, flowing through to wheat, and conditions only seemed to ease around the end of the year. The downturn likely lessened demand for Gill's work.
When the bad news first arrived from England in August, shares in the Burra Burra Mine were trading at £220.10 But a miners' strike and a share market "panic" saw Burras slump to £110 in two months before partially recovering.11
"The [miners'] strike which began in September 1848 ... was South Australia's first industrial strike – and almost certainly the earliest strike of any consequence in Australia. The strike made headline news for nearly three months." (Auhl 92)
The dispute between labour and employer culminated in mid-November with SAMA slashing the number of jobs on cyclic offer. The South Australian Register (which needs to be noted was generally critical of the company directors) wrote of its anticipated impact:
Well, the deed is done. Four hundred miners are at this moment out of employ, and many of them, for aught we know to the contrary, houseless wanderers in this distant land, the victims of insatiable avarice or insufferable pride. What will strangers at a distance think of the stability of the Monster Mine, the eighth wonder of the world, the proprietors of which resolutely declined to pay their labourers more than 21s a-week, and their able-bodied miners 30s a-week, at the risk of suspending its lucrative operations, and of consequence depreciating the value of its shares, to say nothing of the danger and destruction rendered imminent by a cessation of the underground workings?12
The strike ended with victory for the employer, South Australian Mining Association (SAMA), under its secretary Henry Ayers. Ayers' had taken advantage of Adelaide's excess labour. Miners were replaced; some would return; some would leave for California gold. (For more see: S.T. Gill and Burra Burra Mine 1850.)
Hundreds more emigrants were arriving in South Australia, the "strike" was over, and with SAMA contracting for a smelting works, business pessimism was short lived and Burras rose in value.13
The depression seems to have also affected shipping. The steamer "Juno" had been visiting Adelaide about monthly up to July 1848 after which there was a third quarter hiatus. Following her return to the route in October, the Port Lincoln Mining Company (only established that May) decided to make the most of her presence.
The Directors of the Port Lincoln Mining Company have in conjunction with parties interested in the mineral lands of that district, very spiritedly resolved upon engaging the Juno steamer for a voyage to Boston Bay, with the view to a personal inspection, &c., of the operations and site of their mining undertaking ... many private parties and families unconnected with business and Port Lincoln, have expressed a wish to avail themselves of the opportunity of a trip by steam to that interesting part of the colony which may be called its maritime ornament ...14
The trip was promoted as both an investment and a leisure opportunity – not just for gentlemen, but for ladies and families, with suitable accomodation available.14
The excursion was appended to Juno's subsequent visit, running from 4 to 15 December and carrying 25 (listed) passengers (in the end all men but one).15 E.A. Opie and W.A. Cawthorne, both amateur artists, went. Gill didn't.
With Gill remaining in Adelaide he was on the spot for an unanticipated opportunity. 5 December 1848 saw the arrival of the barque Hooghly with lithographers, Penman & Co., who'd fled the English depression.
Here was a chance for Gill to broaden his market from moneyed commissioners of watercolours, such as those who'd benefitted from the copper boom, to the more regular (but comfortable) colonists who could afford a print (or for that matter a Daguerreotype photograph). Gill's shift to lithography would be a significant and enduring one.
To see the works, with accompanying notes, just scroll down or jump to the List of Works.
1. South Australian, 5 November 1847: 3. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71609789>
2. South Australian Register, 11 December 1847: 3. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48544996>
3. Hypothesis based on (i) writer's chosen anonymity, (ii) coincidence of timing and (iii) process of elimination, taking known 1848 exhibitors who were unnamed in 1847.
4. South Australian, 15 February 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71610513>
5. Appleyard, 115, note 66.
6. Wilson & Borrow, 305-306. Source: "A catalogue of the exhibition of pictures : the works of colonial artists", Adelaide : Printed by G. Dehane, 1847, [1848] 759.9942 C357 <https://catalog.slsa.sa.gov.au/record=b1287148>
7. Adelaide Observer, 26 February 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158925719>
8. Garran, Andrew and Allen, James. The Royal South Australian almanack and general directory ... Adelaide: J. Allen. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2900037725>
9. Adelaide Observer, 2 September 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158926491>
10. Adelaide Observer, 2 September 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158926501>
11. Adelaide Times, 30 October 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206979938>
12. South Australian Register, 15 November 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48727034>
13. South Australian Register, 22 November 1848: 3. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48726435>
14. South Australian Register, 15 November 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48727038>
15. South Australian, 5 December 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71613094>
Exhibition of Pictures, principally the works of artists residing in South Australia, Adelaide, 12-19 February 1848.
An extant catalogue is only known up to number 55 although at least 97 works were exhibited (see above). Gill often made several copies of his Burra works for clients but of his underground scenes only one or two versions are known and hence it's possible to suggest they were the specific ones exhibited in 1848.
Listed below are select items from the catalogue attributed to Gill, Montefiore and Martens, showing the catalogue's number, work title and artist name.
Scroll down to see the pictures along with detailed notes or click a link to jump to a specific work from the list.
Portrait of Highflyer, Owner, Rider, and Trainer | Work untraced
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1847/1848-01 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
This painting is untraced but was exhibited (no. 11) in Adelaide in February 1848.
Highflyer was South Australia's most successful race horse in 1847. South Australian, 18 January 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71610303>
Highflyer, a roan gelding from New South Wales, was first owned by Jones at the time of the September 1846 Grand Steeple Chase and then by William Paxton by the November 1846 Gawler Town races. (Gill at the time was away on the Horrocks expedition.) This horse portrait was possibly for owner Paxton. Highflyer was regularly ridden by C. B. Fisher between early 1847 and early 1850.
429
Port Adelaide looking across Gawler Reach | Art Gallery of South Australia 0.646
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. 55
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
A view generally south across Gawler Reach / Hindmarsh Reach to Port Adelaide. The Mount Lofty Ranges are in the background. Prominent are the South Australian Company stores (McLaren warehouse, red building, left) and the Customs House (white building, centre). Between them are the flagstaff and the "canal" beside Queen's Wharf. On the river side of the Customs House are the Queen's wharf warehouses.
At right, on North Parade, the two storey building with verandah is the recently rebuilt Port Tavern, with verandah, after the original hotel was destroyed by fire on 29 January 1847. Further right with sign seems to be the Ship Inn.
This is Gill's less frequent angle across the Reach showing just the north face of McLaren warehouse.
Signed "STG 1848".
At McLaren Wharf is a steamer - the "Juno" - which first arrived in Adelaide on 4 November 1847. "Juno" frequently visited Adelaide from Sydney throughout 1848. The confiscated French ship "Ville de Bordeaux" (frequently present in Gill's scenes) is absent, having become the light-ship in 1848.
This watercolor came back from the South Australian Company (SAC) in 1890 together with seven from James Allen's commission taken to England in 1845. How did this painting come into SAC's possession?
Another version of this scene without "Juno" signed "STG 1848" (a New Bedford Whaling Museum deaccession) was auctioned 2022-04-09 <https://marionantiqueauctions.hibid.com/lot/117296093/samuel-thomas-gill--1818-1880--australia--framed>.
Map | S. T. Gill - Port Adelaide
21
Port Adelaide | Owner unknown
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
A view generally south across Gawler Reach / Hindmarsh Reach to Port Adelaide. The Mount Lofty Ranges are in the background. Prominent are the South Australian Company stores (McLaren warehouse, red building, left) and the Customs House (white building, centre). Between them are the flagstaff and the "canal" beside Queen's Wharf. On the river side of the Customs House are the Queen's wharf warehouses.
At right, on North Parade, the two storey building with verandah is the recently rebuilt Port Tavern, with verandah, after the original hotel was destroyed by fire on 29 January 1847. Further right with sign seems to be the Ship Inn.
This is Gill's less frequent angle across the Reach showing mostly just the north face of McLaren warehouse. It takes in a slightly wider view than AGSA 0.646.
Signed "STG 1848".
The steamer "Juno" frequently visited Adelaide from Sydney throughout 1848, but she is missing from this picture. The confiscated French ship "Ville de Bordeaux" (frequently present in Gill's scenes) is also absent, having become the light-ship in 1848.
Provenance: New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Map | S. T. Gill - Port Adelaide
725
Kooringa, the Burra Burra townshp [i.e. township] Aprl. 7th, 1848 | National Library of Australia NK155
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1847-04/1848~ | Appleyard cat. n/a | 44.5(H) x 80.4(W) cm
Catalogue: S.T. Gill and Burra Burra Mine 1847
For description see VIEW: Kooringa Township 1847 (AGSA 0.1353).
The front light of the hotel is unexpectedly missing from this version. The foreground bullock is branded "SAMA". Unique to this widest version is a horse in a yard behind which appears to be a cutting in the hill at right of picture above the stock- and stable- yards and stable.
This is signed l.l. STG in brown ink, beside which is "Apr 9th 1848" in black / brown ink – all by Gill. It is the exact same township scene as others dated ((12) April) 1847 with the exception of a few more buildings fronting Commercial Road and the fruit and vegetable garden which is now productive! The country also looks greener. Gill would not have undertaken a Burra trip in April 1848 for a better vegetable patch and there are other more likely explanations for the 1848 date. The date may may have been added by Gill later but in error. Perhaps the most convincing explanation is that Gill did paint this in 1848 for a client who'd missed out earlier and the slight scene changes are to indicate a little progress. This may the version exhibited in February 1848.
For more detail see the catalogue / main entry.
212
Charlton Station near Mount Remarkable, South Australia | National Library of Australia box D1 #PIC/6460
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a | 30.8(H) x 51.3(W) cm
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
The Horrocks expedition visited White's Station over several days and had assistance from Messrs White. Gill diarised: "Saturday, 15th [August 1846] ... In the afternoon Kilroy arrived from Mr White's with a pair of arms for the dray, bringing Kelly, the black, and lubra to take back some tools kindly lent by Mr Campbell. I finished a drawing of his station to send back as something in return for his favors."
Gill dated this painting 1848 in the signature, so it's neither an original field sketch nor one of the 33 immediate post expedition series. But could it be a second version of Gill's August 1846 drawing?
White's Station was so identified on earlier maps, including E.C. Frome's 1844 map. A run was recorded with Crown Lands in November 1845: "Saml. & Fred. White - S.S.E. from Mount Remarkable".
A reverse inscription identifies this as "Charlton Station Nr Mount Remarkable" - the property of the White family. "Charlton" was Messrs White's head station and referenced as such in newspapers from 1850s. So the "Charlton" title appears to be less contemporary with the painting than does "White's".
Horizon (left) appears to show Mount Remarkable - the shape of which is seen in R.E. Minchin's work SLSA PRG 119/28/5 <https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/PRG+119/28/5>.
Map | S. T. Gill and Horrocks expedition 1846
449
not titled [Landscape with figure and sheep] | National Gallery of Australia 76.390
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a | 21.2(H) x 32(W) cm
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
A shepherd and his dog look over a sheep flock on relatively flat country with a stoney foreground. Two station buildings and a yard are at left. Mountains are on the horizon. Location unknown but could be the northern areas.
Similar in subject and colouring to "White's Station near Mount Remarkable, South Australia" (NLA box D1 #PIC/6460).
Signed "STG 1848".
758
Monument to Colonel Light | Art Gallery of South Australia 0.654
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
The original monument to Colonel William Light - in Light Square - was almost complete by February 1845.
Adelaide Observer, 1 February 1845: 5.
This watercolour is signed and dated 1848 (Appleyard 111). I haven't viewed this work.
180
Captain Davison's house 'Blakiston' near Mount Barker | Art Gallery of South Australia 7910HP56
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
This picture is of Captain Francis Davison's two storey house "Blakiston" with other buildings, fenced gardens and fields. Leaning on the front fence, a man - likely Davison - smokes a pipe and converses with an Aboriginal family group. A man and two horses plough a field, likely suggesting autumn.
Two pictures of Captain Francis Davison's house "Blakiston" and nearby St. James' church are dated 1848 by Gill and were likely part of a commission by Davison. A third undated picture of St. James' interior also seems to be in this group.
Two occasions in 1848 suggest themselves as prompting this commission: the consecration of St. James' on 28 April and a service on 29 October. Both were attended by the governor at the time. And it may have been neither.
Reference: Morphett, George C. and Pioneers' Association of South Australia. Captain Francis Davison of Blakiston / compiled by Geo C. Morphett Pioneers' Association of S.A Adelaide 1943
SA Heritage Place Details - 'Blakiston' including House and Cottage
Map | S. T. Gill - South Australia
335
St. James' Anglican Church, Blakiston | Art Gallery of South Australia 20086P41
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
St James' Church and rectory, Blakiston, viewed from the road.
Two pictures of Captain Francis Davison's house "Blakiston" and nearby St. James' church are dated 1848 by Gill and were likely part of a commission by Davison. A third undated picture of St. James' interior also seems to be in this group.
Two occasions in 1848 suggest themselves as prompting this commission: the consecration of St. James' on 28 April and a service on 29 October. Both were attended by the governor at the time. And it may have been neither.
Reference: Morphett, George C. and Pioneers' Association of South Australia. Captain Francis Davison of Blakiston / compiled by Geo C. Morphett Pioneers' Association of S.A Adelaide 1943
SA Heritage Place Details - St James Anglican Church, Graveyard, Rectory and Belltower
265
Interior of St. James Church, Blakiston, Mt. Barker, South Australia | National Library of Australia NK1182
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848 | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill - 1848
Two pictures of Captain Francis Davison's house "Blakiston" and nearby St. James' church are dated 1848 by Gill and were likely part of a commission by Davison. This undated picture of St. James' interior also seems to be in this group.
Foundation stone laid 3 October 1846. The church building was reported as nearing completion in March 1847.
Likely part of a commission by Francis Davison in 1848.
269
Have you any Port Lincones for Sale? | Dixson Library, State Library of New South Wales DL PXX 60 f.19
Artist: Gill, S.T. (attr.) | Date: 1848-05/1849~
Catalogue: S.T. Gill, Penman & Co., Heads of the People
A three quarter length portrait with profile view. The title caption is in reference to shares in the Port Lincoln Mining Company which was formed in May 1848.
Based on the caption, umbrella, prominent nose, sideburns, collar and coat, this sketch is likely to be sharebroker Robert Tod, featured in "Heads of the People by S.T.G. No. 1 (sheet 3)".
The sketch is in E.L. Montefiore's album (SLNSW DL PXX 60) which contains works by Montefiore and other artists, including S.T. Gill. It is probably by Gill.
588
[Man on horseback and chained dog] | Dixson Library, State Library of New South Wales DL PXX 86 f.36
Artist: Gill, S.T. | Date: 1848-12~/1849-04~ | Appleyard cat. n/a
Catalogue: S.T. Gill, Penman & Co., Heads of the People
It is signed "STG" and inscribed on stone: "Penman & Co., Lith., Adelaide". The subject of Harry Paine was topical in December 1848 – the month of Penman & Co's arrival – suggesting this may be their earliest artistic lithograph.
The image is also included in a Samuel Calvert lithograph (SLNSW-DL DL PXX 86/46) and copied in SLSA B 5964.
"Daily there is seen at the door of the Register and Observer office, in Hindley-street, directly opposite the principal business locality, a cream-coloured Timor pony, worn down with age, worn out with work, and literally worn BARE with the saddle! Not unfrequently the old biped who rides this once noble little quadruped most abominably ill-treats the impotent, but still willing animal ..." Adelaide Times, 4 December 1848: 2. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206980068>
"MR JAMES ALLEN, - Sir. - Having seen in your vulgar advertisement the pretended proposal of a subscription to raise another pony in lieu of one (ridden by an old biped) worn down with age, worn out with work, and worn bare with the saddle, I cannot as an old British tar, let it pass in silence. No, Sir; as you have fired into me, I am not going to sheer off without returning a whole broadside. If my pony is "worn down with age, and worn bare with the saddle," let me ask you, Mr Allen, Who was it that wore down the old biped with 2s 8d. per day when carrying into the country his broad-sheet, and carrying his every-day threepenny Grub-street rag ..." South Australian Register, 9 December 1848: 1. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48727453>
380
David Coombe. Original 26 June 2023. Updated 16 July 2025. | text copyright (except where indicated)
CITE THIS: David Coombe, 2023-2025, S.T. Gill 1848, accessed dd mmm yyyy, <https://coombe.id.au/S_T_Gill/S_T_Gill_1848.htm>