[William Grant Broughton, ca. 1847 - portrait medallion / attributed to Theresa Walker]

P*17

fonds

ca. 1847

Graphic Materials, Objects

442636

Objects - 1 wax medallion in relief, laid on dark brown-black backing sheet with circular gilt window mount with glass front, in square gilt wooden frame with scroll work on inner edge. - 7.4 x 4.7 cm. (image, sight) x 23.3 x 23.4 cm.

Theresa Walker, born in England, was a painter, photographer, and wax modeller, who arrived in South Australia in 1837. Theresa made wax profiles of prominent citizens of the places she lived and moved to Sydney in 1846. An article in the South Australian Register, dated 9 December 1846, relates that, "We see she is practising her profession [in Sydney], and is highly praised by the press. Her profile of the Bishop of Australia [Broughton] is said to be the most admirable ..." -- Reference: Colonial sisters : Martha Berkeley & Theresa Walker, South Australia's first professional artists / Jane Hylton. Adelaide : Art Gallery Board of South Australia, 1994.

For notes on Theresa Walker's portraits see PXn 471.
Two cracks are visible, one from the mouth to the back of the head of the figure and one diagonally from the front to the neckline.
In 1944 the backing sheet of the frame was removed and subsequently replaced.
The Mitchell Library also holds three similar wax portraits of William Grant Broughton located at: P*71, P*81, and P*97. It has not been established whether the portraits are original works by Theresa Walker, reproductions of her works, or reproductions from other people's moulds.

Titled from information provided by the donor and included in a typed label attached to the back of the frame.
Stamped in blue on reverse of frame on paper backing, "S. Holden / Picture Restorer. / 107 Bayswater Road, / Darlinghurst / 23 Oct 1944"