Title

The diggers and diggings of Victoria as they are [lithographs by S.T. Gill, published by James J. Blundell.]

Author

James J Blundell.

Source

Argus (Melbourne).

Details

13 September 1855 page 5, column 5.

Publication date

13 September 1855

Type

Publication Review

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

“THE DIGGERS, AND DIGGINGS OF VICTORIA AS THEY ARE” - Every one who has visited the gold-fields will admit that Gill’s drawings, as published by Blundell and Co., deserve the title they bear. The drawings are characterised by all the fidelity and spirit which render this artist’s productions so valuable; and they are admirably lithographed by Campbell and Ferguson. The first number of the series is devoted to Ballaarat. The view of that gold-field as seen from Mount Buninyong gives a vivid idea of the geographical features of the locality. “The site of Bentley’s Hotel” represents the unhappily famous Eureka as seen from the spot on which stood the hotel whose destruction was one of the first of a series of ever-memorable events. A view of the spot not far distant, on which the stockade was constructed, and of the adjacent scene, would be valuable considering how rapidly diggings localities change their character. There are three scenes from the more busy part of Ballaarat, - one representing the arrival on the Main Street of the Geelong mail; and two others, the exterior and the interior of John Alloo’s Restaurant. The last two pourtray very graphically the singular and suggestive scene which this place of refreshment presents. Stalwart diggers are refreshing themselves with substantial viands, supplied by assiduous Chinese attendants, in the simple, but commodious edifice which the enterprising Alloo has erected, dignified with a French appellation, and decorated with posters announcing the claims to public support of the famous White Star line of Liverpool American clippers. These sketches will have, to friends at home, a deep interest, as representing not only the physical features of the world-renowned Ballaarat, but as depicting the unexpected combinations which gold-fields society presents. Mr. Gill has already given his representations of the mining operations of Ballaarat, but these he must again introduce into this series in order that it may be complete. We would also suggest that a somewhat lower price would facilitate the attainment by this serial of that wide circulation which it so well deserves.

[Argus (Melbourne), 13 September 1855 p.5, col.5.]