November 2020 vol 42 no 4

RESEARCHING,Australiana PRESERVING AND COLLECTING AUSTRALIA’S HERITAGE Australiana RESEARCHING, PRESERVING AND COLLECTING​​ contents AUSTRALIA’S HERITAGE 4 November 2020 vol 42 no 4 SSN 0814-107X Update from the President Colin Thomas

6 THE AUSTRALIANA SOCIETY James Cook’s Killora Resolution and Adventure medal www.australiana.org.au Peter Lane PO Box 31, Waratah NSW 2298 8 [email protected] Tasmanian Magnificence part 2 Secretary, Lynda Summers: 0428 276 412 R.A. Fredman ABN 13 402 033 474 14 Australiana, the magazine of The Australiana Society Australian Toys: A Collector’s Story Inc, is published in February, May, August and Luke Jones November and is available only by subscription. 18 Carl Ewald ‘Gluepot’ Graetz of Graetztown, South Australia David Bedford and Richard Phillips EDITOR John Wade 0400 674 466 28 [email protected] William Paul Dowling: artist, artist-photographer and photographer SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020 Robert Stevens Household and institutions...... $90 Life...... $1800 49 Overseas: please contact us for rates. James and Charlotte Cowlishaw’s ‘Golden Wedding’ Napkin Rings, c 1912 To subscribe, email us for a brochure or download a membership form from the website and mail with your Dianne Byrne payment, or email with your credit card details. 54 ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL Australiana Society Annual Report Contact the editor about advertising or contributing an President’s Report: Dr Jim Bertouch article.You can download a Style Guide from the website. Treasurer’s Report: George Lawrence INDEX An index to Australiana and downloadable copies of issues from 1978 to 2008 are on the website. ADVERTISERS GIFTS Simpson’s Antiques 2 The Australiana Society is listed on the Australian Leski Auctions 5 Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations and Colonial Rarities 7 recognised as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Leonard Joel 9 Gifts to the Society are tax deductible. Walter & Co 13 BOARD 2020–2021 The Merchant of Welby 59 President Members Peter Walker Fine Art 59 Colin Thomas Katrina Banyai J. B. Hawkins Antiques 60 Vice-President Kathryn Gong Andrew Simpson David Bedford Secretary Robert Stevens Lynda Summers Peter Lane Treasurer DESIGN Barbara Wheatley Kylie Kennedy, Reconstruct Design 0402 417 871 PRINTER Scott Williams, Point Graphics 0414 242 244 Contact details for Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian branches are listed on the COVER website www.australiana.org.au/about Cedar sofa (detail), c 1825–50, with seat and bolster re-covered in green camlet. Private collection, photo courtesy Cedar Light Gallery, Queensland All articles appearing in Australiana are eligible for the annual Peter Walker Fine Art writing award sponsored © Copyright 2020 The Australiana Society and/or individual authors and photographers. by Peter Walker Fine Art, Adelaide Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society.

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 3 William Paul Dowling: artist, artist- photographer and photographer

Dublin-born William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877) worked in London as a draftsman and artist before his Irish Nationalist political activities led to his being to Van Diemen’s Land for sedition. Here, the Irish Catholic convict established a reputation as a portrait artist, gradually adapting to the new technology of photography. For the first time,

Robert Stevens combines a look at his life, well documented through the many letters he wrote home, with an analysis of his art and photography, to reveal the story of this talented Irish patriot who made a new life in Tasmania.

3 ROBERT STEVENS Alf Maclochlainn and published in 2005. 1. William was the eighth of nine children After H Warren, Attack on the Police by the of Bernard Dowling and Marcella née People under Smith O’Brien in Ballingarry, William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), McIvor. Bernard, a Catholic attorney, Ireland 1848, History of Ireland, c 1854, though his birth is often given as 1824, was apparently practised from his residence, a lithograph, 16 x 13 cm. Agefotostock, possibly the ‘William Dowling’ baptised shared house at 47 Marlborough Street, a image code XY2-1348598 26 December 1822 at the Pro-Cathedral in mixed commercial street near the centre Dublin.1 William was known in the family of Dublin.4 Marcella died in 1827 and 2. 5 After William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), by his baptismal name, but in Tasmania, Bernard in 1846. Wm Cuffey [Cuffay], Drawn in his Cell outside the family he was often known as He is possibly the William Dowling 2 in Newgate, By his Fellow Sufferer, Wm Paul, a later confirmation name. who attended the Carmelite private Dowling, lithograph, 1848, 30.8 x 21.5 cm. Much of the information about boarding school, at the Seminary of National Portrait Gallery London, William Paul Dowling comes through Mount St Joseph in the Monastery of NPG D13148 his letters, mostly to his brother John in Clondalkin, 4 km from the suburbs of Ireland, edited by Margaret Glover and Dublin, and won prizes in orthography

28 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 and catechism at the December 1838 Antiquities and Allan Cunningham’s 3. 6 examinations, and reading and writing Lives of the Most Eminent British Painters, William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), 7 reported in July 1841. At the time, only Sculptors and Architects. Robin Vaughan Hood, 1851, oil on canvas, the Church ran such private schools. 77 x 64 cm. Museum & Daniel O’Connell was a patron of the An Irish nationalist Art Gallery, QVM:1997:FP0037, gift of Mr school, a hero to William and leader Raised and educated in a community & Mrs E P T Simpson through the family of the Irish Nationalists who aimed to where loyalty to Ireland was pronounced, of William Percy Hood and the QVMAG repeal the legislation joining Ireland Dowling became active politically, first Foundation 1997 to Great Britain and re-establish an as an Irish nationalist, then a Young independent Irish Parliament.8 Irelander. At the age of 20, he wrote a 4. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Dowling trained as an artist at the Art poem, ‘Liberty’; this verse conveys his Sarah Lloyd Hood, 1851, oil on canvas, School of the Royal Dublin Society, and nationalist ideals, his education and 77 x 64 cm. Queen Victoria Museum & after being admitted to the Modelling literary ability: Art Gallery, QVM:1997:FP0037, gift of Mr (as ‘William Dowling’) and Landscape & Mrs E P T Simpson through the family and Ornament (as ‘William Dooling’) Up sons of Erin, prostrate race of William Percy Hood and the QVMAG Schools in November 1839, won prizes in Duerd on the swords of liberty, Foundation 1997 1841 and 1842.9 The award presentation Let supplication now give place in December 1842 was chaired by the To Freedom’s dread authority. Lieutenant Governor of Ireland, Earl de Ask not, but take, that heav’n Grey. 10 The Lord Chancellor of Ireland, sprung right, Lord Mayor, Archbishop of Dublin and Which keens the edge of Nationalism heightened. The poor many other eminent citizens attended. patriot brands, tried to seize food, and violence William won five prizes: Landscapes Which Saxon fraud, not Saxon might, increased. The British Government in Pencil, Ornaments in Chalk, Cattle Wrung from your sires’ responded largely with indifference in Chalk, Drawings from the Round, unconquer’d hands.11 or repression.12 and Muscular Figure in Clay. His In July 1846 younger militants in prizes were a library of books: Jonathan The Irish Potato Famine began in O’Connell’s movement broke with their Richardson’s Theory of Painting, John mid-1845, weakening the economy. leader, and in January 1847 established Flaxman’s Anatomical Studies, William A cycle of starvation, disease, evictions the Irish Confederation, under William Smith’s Dictionary of Greek and Roman and emigration commenced, and Irish Smith O’Brien, who had been second

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 29 Living in England, 1845–1848 Secretary after the previous incumbent 5. Dowling had begun working as an artist was imprisoned for sedition on 8 July William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Marie before moving to England about 1845, 1848. At a meeting when president Louise (Minnie) Allport, 1850, colour crayon as indicated in a letter home asking his Kenealy, a barrister away on circuit, on paper pasted on cardboard, paper brother John to varnish a portrait: was absent, they adopted ‘physical force crayon original, 31.8 x 31.5 cm. Allport Library & Museum of Fine Arts, accession resolutions.’ Later, Kenealy proposed a no FA 276a, Record ID SD_ILS:86500 I wish if you can spare time you new resolution deprecating violence but would buy 2 pennyworth of Mastic Dowling and a large majority opposed 6. varnish … and take the large brush this, leading to Kenealy’s resignation. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), with a short handle … and go out to Dowling was then invited to join the Marie Louise Crowther, c 1852, oil on her house … Before you Varnish the militant Chartist Committee and was canvas, 35.3 cm (diam). Art Gallery of painting feel the dark parts to try that initiated into their projects.20 South Australia, 885P27, M J M Carter AO they are quite dry, if so, rub the varnish On 10 April 1848, Feargus O’Connor Collection 1988 freely over it not missing any spot, if led a mass meeting supporting Chartism not, the flesh and light parts first, and on Kennington Common. The meeting then cover the remainder.15 was to precede a procession to the House of Commons to present a petition to In London he worked as a draughtsman Parliament. However Prime Minister Lord during the railway boom and mixed with John Russell persuaded O’Connor not to both Young Irelanders and Chartists, an present the petition, and as a result the rally to O’Connell. Advocating greater use of action fraught with danger.16 In 1848, it lacked impact. The radical element, upset force, its followers the Young Irelanders or sometimes became difficult to distinguish by this failure, became more aggressively Confederates included Dowling.13 between Chartists and Young Irelanders republican. These were Dowling’s new Chartism, a movement which sought who were mutually supportive.17 In 1848, acquaintances.21 When Confederate leader political rights and influence for the many countries in Europe were racked by was convicted and transported working class, was active in Britain. political upheaval – ‘the most widespread to Van Diemen’s Land in May 1848, In 1838, William Lovett and Francis revolutionary wave in European history’.18 unrest increased. Place drew up a People’s Charter of The Davis Club in London was an Irish Dowling was in London when O’Brien demands for The London Working Confederate Club, attracting ‘better-off’ led an unsuccessful revolt in Tipperary Men’s Association.14 Young Irelanders.19 Dowling became its on 29 July 1848. This ‘Ballingarry

30 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 Uprising’, the most famous of the Young documents and a letter to his sister Ann 7. Irelander rebellions, erupted at Widow in his possession. The letter noted his William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), McCormack’s house at Farrenrory, near precarious situation, ‘I am now an Daughters of J R Buckland, 1850, 22 Ballingarry (plate 1). Confederates outlaw … my neck is in danger if I am coloured chalks on brown paper, William Smith O’Brien, Thomas caught’. He mentioned his intention to 49.5 x 41.5 cm. Art Gallery of South Meagher, Terence McManus and Patrick abandon politics for a while and paint Australia 20083D10, gift of P & L O’Donohue were captured, convicted portraits – perhaps revealing his greater Howell through the Art Gallery of and transported to Van Diemen’s Land. commitment to his profession – but South Australia Foundation 2008 Then in August 1848, Confederate leaders too late.25 John Martin and Kevin O’Doherty At his first appearance before a 8. were sentenced to transportation to Van magistrate, Dowling stated that he wasn’t William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Frances Meredith and Eliza Jane Diemen’s Land. an English factionist but an Irish nationalist Windsor, c 1850s, watercolour and The radical Chartists planned an armed and wanted only to free his country.26 pastel on paper. Narryna Heritage rebellion. They plotted to set London In Newgate Prison, he sketched portraits Museum, ablaze in several places, attack and burn of his fellow conspirators. A lithograph police stations and proclaim a republic taken from one of these portrays a smug on 16 August 1848. However, committee Chartist leader William Cuffay, a tailor, in member Powell alias Johnston, a police spy, the clothes he wore in court, ‘immaculately had infiltrated the Chartists. The uprising, tailored and befitting a man of his trade’ joined the Chartists’ organising committee known as the ‘Orange Tree Conspiracy’ as (plate 2). William wrote that Cuffay had to represent the Irish body and stated that several of the conspirators were arrested at acquired a notoriety which ‘his vanity William was not charged with being a the Orange Tree public house, failed.23 By made him mistake for fame’, describing Chartist. It added that he and his counsel the afternoon of 16 August many of the fellow Chartist leader George Mullins as ‘a were Confederates who despised the leaders were in custody and troops on full surgeon by profession with a heart as light Chartists. Dowling interrupted with one alert at Buckingham Palace, The Tower, as a bee’. He concluded ‘we are more like a word “No!” – honest, principled and Royal Mint, Bank of England and other pack of big school-boys than half-convicted indicating that he respected the ideals of potential targets.24 felons.’27 Perhaps William had realised the the Chartists and had not been using them Dowling was arrested on Lambeth folly of his association with the Chartists. for his own ends. Walk on 20 August 1848 with At his trial on 22–23 September 1848, William was found guilty on a second incriminating Young Irelander the prosecution argued that Dowling had count:

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 31 branded a felony, you have chosen to stirring events, the birthplace of no 9. call patriotism? 28 great men. Compared with our own William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), venerable & venerated country, it is as , Portrait of a Young Woman Dowling, fellow Confederate Thomas a hothouse mushroom to the tall Cedar c 1850s, watercolour and pastel on Fay, and Chartists William Cuffay, of Lebanon.32 medium weight wove paper, 36.5 x 30 cm (oval). Private collection Joseph Ritchie, William Lacy and later George Bridge Mullins were all Father William Hall, who had 10. sentenced to transportation to Van accompanied Bishop R W Willson to 29 William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Diemen’s Land. Most were convicted Hobart in 1844, came on board to meet Marion Thomson, 1851, colour crayon on of committing the new crime of ‘treason Catholic prisoners and confided that beige paper, 38 x 32 cm. Private collection felony’, legislated because jurors had Meagher, O’Donohue, Martin, O’Doherty been reluctant to find prisoners guilty of and O’Brien were held in different places high treason, the penalty for which was and closely watched. Later, Dowling’s Irish ‘hanging, drawing and quartering’.30 loyalty helped him gain the patronage of that he joined the movement for On 17 August 1849, Dowling, aged the Irish clergy and community in a land the purpose of assisting in the about 26, departed London aboard the where Catholics were a minority made up dismemberment of the Empire by Adelaide, a ship of 640 tons, built in chiefly of convicts and economic refugees separating, by force of arms, Ireland Calcutta in 1832.31 from Ireland. from this country. On first sighting Tasmania, Dowling The Adelaide arrived in Hobart on 29 displayed his literary skills: November 1849, where Dowling and 39 When asked why he should not other men disembarked, then sailed on via receive judgement in accordance with But the grand object which attracted Port Phillip to Port Jackson, arriving 24 the law, he replied that ‘only tyrants all eyes was a long range of purple December 1849.33 Surgeon Frederick W insist that patriotism is a felony’. mountains which lay in the distance off Le Grand reported that the healthy state of On passing sentence, the judge our larwood bows, as beautifully varied the convicts was due to: asked Dowling: in its outline as any in our own dear land, here distinctly marked against ... the attention in the first instances What right had you to set up your the lighter clouds and those receding … to the purification of the ships understanding against the experience lost in obscurity. But after all it has holds and keeping the hospital etc. dry, of mankind and the result of no attractions for me, there are no clean and well ventilated. Keeping the ancient wisdom that that which the classic or social recollections connected convicts between breakfast and supper Constitution of this country has with it, it has been the theatre of no hourly employed and allowing them

32 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 on deck as much as possible with strict attention to prisoner cleanliness.34

Dowling was fortunate to have been aboard a well organised vessel. Not everything had been smooth sailing: 36 rats were caught in the long boat and one found its way into a pot of soup;35 convict Leecock (Laycock) spent three weeks on the sick list after falling six metres from the windlass down into the hold;36 convict O’Driscoll (Driscoll) became very ill after ‘the sea broke into their hammocks’, and required hospitalisation.37 Life was harsh aboard a convict transport. In Sydney, the Principal Superintendent of Convicts reported that all the Adelaide’s convicts had been hired within nine days.38 In both NSW and Van Diemen’s Land, cheap convict labour was in demand.

The artist in Hobart Dowling received a ticket of leave and was engaged by Robin Vaughan Hood, who sought an artist and lithographer. Hood had bought John Skinner Prout’s lithographic equipment when Prout returned to England in 1848. Dowling, knowledgeable in lithography, was a welcome addition to Hood’s staff. 39

He asked me if I was an artist and could lithograph. I said yes.40

Hood, the famous frame maker, lithographer and fine arts dealer, had of pencil, chalk, crayon, pastel and watercolour, and in oil, receiving patronage 11. arrived in Tasmania in 1833. His gallery William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), 43 became a focus for the arts in Hobart. The from eminent families. Fireworks Display at the High School on Hobart Art Exhibition of 1846 was held The Allport family played a major role in the Cessation of Transportation to VDL in his ‘New Exhibition Room’. This was the artistic, cultural and social development 10th August 1853, pencil and chalk, 23.5 Hobart’s and Australia’s third art exhibition, of the colony. Joseph, a lawyer, had settled x 35 cm. Queen Victoria Museum & Art after those of 1837 and 1845, and preceded in Van Diemen’s Land in 1831 with his Gallery, QVM:1964:61:5 The Society for the Promotion of the Fine wife Mary Morton; Joan Kerr regarded Arts in Australia’s first exhibition in Sydney her as ‘the most important Lady Painter 12. in 1847.41 In 1851, Dowling painted amongst the earliest manifestations of this William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), formal oil portraits of Hood and his wife species.’44 Dowling’s portraits of children Children’s Banquet celebrating the Jubilee of European Settlement and Cessation of Sarah (plates 3–4). included the offspring of Joseph and Mary Transportation held at New Wharf, Hobart William established an excellent Morton Allport – Mary Louise (plate 5), Town on 10 August 1853, pen and wash Curzon, Francis Evett and Gordon. Mary relationship with Hood who offered heightened with white, 23.5 x 35 cm. permanent employment and permitted him Louise (Minnie) was trained by her mother Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, 42 to set up his own business. On 1 January and specialised in delicate watercolours of QVM:1964:61:6 1850, Dowling opened his studio at 9 Australian flowers.45 Liverpool St, on the corner of Campbell Surgeon, businessman, naturalist and St. He produced portraits in combinations politician William Lodewyk Crowther

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 33 13. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Bishop Willson, 1853, oil on canvas, 80.9 x 55.2 cm. Courtesy of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hobart

14. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Mother Mary John Cahill, c 1850s, oil on canvas, 105 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the Congregational Archives of the Sisters of Charity Australia, MUS/1991.042, Photography by Tim Bauer

(1817–1885) had Dowling paint some headmaster of the Hutchins School 15. of his children, Edward Lodewyk, Marie (plate 7).47 A delicate portrait of Francis After William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Louise (plate 6), Henry Lucas and Meredith and her cousin Eliza Jane Horton College, Somercotes, near Ross, William Edwin. Honorary medical officer Windsor hangs in Narryna Heritage V D Land, c 1855, lithograph, 17 x 24.5 at the Hobart General Hospital, Dr W Museum (plate 8). Francis, a sketcher and cm. Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, QVM:1976:62:0046 L Crowther was suspended in 1869 for watercolourist was a cousin of the famous mutilating the body of the aboriginal artist and author Louisa Anne Meredith William Lanney by unlawfully removing (1812–1895), who encouraged her in the skull for scientific study. He later music, sketching and painting.48 served as Premier.46 Geoffrey Stilwell, Curator of the Allport Other subjects were the three daughters Collection, replying to Joseph Brown, the of John Richard Buckland, the first eminent collector, dealer and philanthropist, described Dowling’s portraiture:

All have the same characteristics – broad faces, flattened noses, hair lying too flatly on the head etc.49

Early in his Tasmanian career, Dowling painted an oval portrait of an elegant, well dressed young woman (plate 9).

Advent of photography In the later 1850s these small to medium sized portraits, sketched and with added pastel, crayon or watercolour, were gradually being replaced by photographs. They were Dowling’s most numerous works, and he was being squeezed out of the portrait market by the new technology, so it was important for him to understand photography quickly.

34 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 16. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), W W Fox, oval photograph albumen silver carte de visite, c 1870s. Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, QVM:1991:P:1965

17. After William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Sir , 1855, lithograph possibly by R V Hood, 14.5 x 12 cm. Private collection; C Craig, The Engravers of Van Diemen’s Land, Tasmanian Historical Research Association, Foot & Playstead, Launceston, 1961

This impending change was implied Soon photography became a direct in a letter home in February 1850, aid to painting and sketching, and the 18. After William Paul Dowling (c 1822– encouraging his brother John to take invitation to copy the photograph was 1877), St Patrick’s Church, Jerusalem, daguerreotypes, which had been irresistible. Dowling was involved in Erected A.D. 1856, lithographer introduced into Hobart in 1843. this burgeoning environment. R V Hood, 1856, 26.9 x 44.2 cm. He added Busy establishing his business, the only Private collection; C Craig, More Old Young Irelander he had contact with was Tasmanian Prints, Foot & Playstead, I mean to try it myself but I will find it O’Donohue, who took him to meet John Launceston, 1984 difficult to procure materials out here.50 Mitchel. Dowling wrote: 19. The 1840s and 1850s were an … I don’t think I should have known William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), exciting period of cultural activity him from the portraits published Our Lady and St Joseph, and Mather for Hobart. Photography advanced of him; for although the features Brown, The Resurrection, 1856, from St Joseph’s Calendar 2016. rapidly. Portrait painters ignored it at are alike, they have not caught the Archdiocese of Hobart Archives and their own peril, and landscape artists character of his face.51 Heritage collection were faced with a new challenge.

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 35 20. William’s fiancée Julia de Veaux, During this visit, William painted William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), whose family were merchants in Dublin’s portraits of the sisters Marion and Eliza Father William Hall, 1858, pastel fashionable Grafton Street, arrived on Thomson. The Thomsons were significant over albumen silver photograph on 13 April 1850, and on 4 May Fr Hall landowners residing at Cormiston, West paper over canvas, 116 x 78 cm. married them at St Joseph’s Church Tamar, on the outskirts of Launceston. Presented to the sitter by the Catholic Hobart. Witnesses were Robin Lloyd Marion (plate 10) later married John Young Men’s Society, 22 July 1858. Hood and his mother Sarah.52 Manifold of Purrumbete, Camperdown, Archdiocese of Hobart, Archives and Dowling moved his studio to the corner Victoria on 4 September 1856.55 Heritage Collection of Harrington and Collins Streets where Purrumbete had been established by their first child, Henry Emmet Fitzgerald brothers John and Peter Manifold when 21. Dowling, was born on 29 January 1851. they became squatters on the land around William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), From August 1851, he begins advertising Lake Purrumbete. Initially, the family had Andrew Crombie, c 1858, pastel over that he will pay a visit to Launceston in settled on the west bank of the Tamar photograph, mounted on a stretcher 53 with cotton backing, not attached, 31 October seeking commissions. River in Van Diemen’s Land. They became x 26 cm. Allport Library & Museum of one of the largest and most respected 56 Fine Arts, accession no HA382, record NOTICE. MR. W. P. DOWLING, landholders in Victoria. ID: SD_ILS:86493 PORTRAIT PAINTER, Corner By this time, William Cuffay was of Harrington and Collins-streets. working as a tailor, and Thomas Fay as 22. INTENDS shortly to pay his first a labourer. William Lacy, a shopkeeper, Attributed to William Paul Dowling professional visit to Launceston. had been joined by his family and was (c 1822-1877) Launceston, Susannah Parties in the intermediate Districts successful financially. Joseph Ritchie, less Fisher, c 1865, tintype, desirous of his services will favour him fortunate, was finally working. The country oil & gilding, 21.5 x 16.5 cm. by sending their orders forthwith. Chartists, without work in their trades Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Hobart Town, 12th August. because of the lack of industries, were QVM:1996:P0231, gift of Mrs S employed as gardeners and farmers. O’Brien Best 1959 The family visited Launceston in had accepted a ticket of leave but, apart October 1851 and he advertised urging from some tutoring, had virtually retired clients ‘To prevent mistakes, there being because of ill-health. Mitchel had been Mitchel used Dowling’s Hobart another artist of the name, attention joined by his wife and family in June 1851 residence as a refuge and recommended is requested to W P. D’s initials and and was enjoying friendship with Martin. it to John Martin. Later, William and address – St. John-st’ to avoid confusion Meagher had married and lived quietly at Mitchel discussed publishing an Irish with the Launceston artist Robert Lake Sorrell. O’Donohue had completed a Nationalist magazine in Launceston, but Dowling.54 He had not advertised book, telling of his maltreatment, especially nothing eventuated. photography at this stage. during his time at Port Arthur. McManus

36 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 23. Unknown photographer, William Paul Dowling, c 1855, numbered 2 en verso. Allport Library & Museum of Fine Arts, PH40/1/574 item 2

24. Unknown photographer, Julia Dowling, c 1855, numbered 4 en verso. Allport Library & Museum of Fine Arts, PH40/1/574 item 4

had written enclosing his business cards. In August 1853 he sketched images of of them went to Tasmania to assist at Kevin O’Doherty was a respected medical the Jubilee Festival celebrations on the the Queen’s Orphanage, Cascade Female practitioner in Hobart. None had escaped 50th anniversary of British settlement in Factory & Queen’s Asylum, and with the at this stage.57 Van Diemen’s Land and the joyous end male convicts. Mother Mary John Cahill Dowling wrote passionately expressing of convict transportation. These show the (plate 14) was the Superior at the convent his patriotism: fireworks display held on the Domain established in 1848 for these ‘Pioneer in front of Hobart High School, and Sisters’.63 Dowling may have used artistic Let us teach our children that, the Grand Jubilee Banquet, set up in licence, as the crucifix is not the style though born in a foreign soil, they the Hobart storehouses of Isaac Wright. worn by the early sisters, which was much are still Irishmen and heirs to the William’s friend Robin Hood published simpler, smaller and less ostentatious, and land of their fathers – that their title lithographs.60 Dowling captured the the crimping of the cap, under her veil, is is from time immemorial, and that excitement, optimism and significance of not in the correct style.64 sooner or later the hour will come to the festivity in these historical, free-flowing In November 1853 William moved his claim their possessions.58 images which convey his training and studio further down Macquarie Street to competence in landscape and drafting the corner of Harrington Street. In May Ireland was basically a colony governed (plates 11–12). 1854, he taught drawing at St Mary’s from London, but Dowling’s commitment The same year he painted an impressive Seminary, and considered moving his to a free Ireland was becoming fettered portrait of Bishop Willson, the first residence from the Crescent so that the due to family responsibilities and pressures Catholic Bishop of Hobart. Originally life frail Julia could be closer to her doctor.65 of business. Dowling, a very good man, size to the knees and mounted in a highly In Van Diemen’s Land, Chartists seem was working hard and putting the well- ornamental Robin Hood frame, it was sadly to have been treated more harshly than being of his family ahead of personal reduced in size in the 1930s (plate 13).61 the Young Irelanders. Martin, O’Brien ambitions. Their second child Mary was Bishop Willson, installed in St Joseph’s on and O’Doherty received conditional born in Launceston in February 1852. By 12 May 1844, was devoted to improving pardons in 1854, but not Dowling, November the family was living at Melville the conditions of convicts both in Van perhaps because of his association with Street, Hobart where Mary died.59 Diemen’s Land and . He the Chartists, or that he had neither established schools, churches and a library.62 achieved the same profile nor received the Artist and artist-photographer About this time William painted a same publicity in The Nation, the organ Dowling established his studio in reverent portrait in oils of Mother Mary of Irish nationalism. A humble man Macquarie Street, Hobart, opposite John Cahill of the Sisters of Charity. She who never sought fame, perhaps he was Hutchins School, advertised teaching was one of five Sisters who volunteered simply overlooked. When John Martin ladies drawing, and likely was taking to travel from Ireland to help women received his conditional pardon, he photographs. Third child Juliana (Nannie) convicts and arrived in Sydney in 1838 wrote lamenting that his friend ‘the artist’ was born in Hobart on 15 May 1853. – Australia’s first Sisters. In 1847, three had not received his. Dowling received

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 37 is now one of the ‘History of Ireland in premises more suitable for photography. 25. 100 Objects’ scheduled to appear soon Dowling sketched Horton College, William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), on an Irish stamp.67 O’Doherty later lithographed in 1855, the year the College Susannah Archer c 1860, pastel over photograph, 60 x 50 cm. Courtesy of settled in Queensland. opened. This image highlights William’s 71 the Management of , Dowling was one of the few Young drafting skills (plate 15). The College photograph by James Tyson Irelanders who chose to stay in Tasmania was a prestigious Wesleyan boys’ boarding contributing to the fledgling society. The school located near Ross, its success due 26. choice was mainly because of his family to headmaster W W Fox’s diligent care in William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), responsibilities, but also as he was a sincere the training of hundreds of boys over his Thomas Archer, c 1860, pastel over and intelligent man who perhaps now 26-year tenure. William photographed a photograph, 60 x 50 cm. Courtesy of understood the consequences of unbridled cdv of Fox in the 1870s (plate 16).72 The the Management of Woolmers Estate, political ambition. As he explained, school, designed by William Archer and photograph by James Tyson founded by Captain Samuel Horton, closed For myself I bargained for no in 1894, and was demolished in 1917.73 27. honour, I courted no popularity or A lithograph of Sir Richard Dry was Henry Mundy (c 1798–1848), Thomas Archer, c 1830s or 1840s, oil on publicity, I desire no reward except the produced after a portrait by Dowling in canvas, 110 x 83 cm. Courtesy of the consciousness of doing my little best 1855 (plate 17). Dry, the first Tasmanian- 68 Management of Woolmers Estate, for Ireland. born Premier and first Tasmanian to be photograph by James Tyson knighted, died in office.74 His reputation, His letters kept up his ties with family as the most popular and widely esteemed in Ireland. His sisters Anne and Maria had public man of his day, rested on personal recently died, Anne from cholera on the qualities as much as political achievements.75 voyage to Van Diemen’s Land and Maria In 1856 Dowling sketched St Patrick’s his conditional pardon in 1855 and full in Ireland. His brother John had married Church, Jerusalem, lithographed by close pardon in 1857.66 Charlotte.69 William and Julia’s fourth child friend Robin Hood (plate 18). This Between 1851 and 1853, Mitchel, William died soon after birth in 1855. building was designed by the architect Meagher, O’Donoghue and McManus In June 1854 Dowling was continuing Frederick Thomas, a former convict, and escaped to America. On receiving to advertise classes in landscape built by Patrick Lynch. Later, Jerusalem full pardons, William Smith O’Brien, and figure drawing in his studio in was renamed Colebrook.76 Martin and O’Doherty returned Macquarie Street opposite the Catholic Again in 1856, he painted figurative to Ireland. Irish miners in Victoria Church, indicating an ongoing panels of ‘Our Lady’ and ‘St Joseph’, presented William Smith O’Brien with commitment to painting.70 He moved to located on either side of the altar at St a massive cup of Australian gold made Davey Street, Hobart opposite Hampton Joseph’s, the oldest Catholic Church in by William Hackett in Melbourne. It Road. in October 1854, possibly seeking Hobart (plate 19). Designed by the former

38 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 convict James Thomson, and built of local employed glass negatives made with the sandstone by convict labourers in 1841, St wet-collodion process.83 Joseph’s was opened and blessed by Father The cost of adding colour meant that, for Therry early on Christmas morning 1841. a period, photographic portraiture was still The painting of ‘The Resurrection’ above the preserve of the wealthy. Dowling, one of the altar was painted by the American artist the first artist-photographers, followed the Mather Brown who also painted religious earlier conventions, the photographic base works which hang in the sanctuary of St almost fully obscured. His pastel portraiture Mary’s Le Strand, London.77 shows an extraordinary skill in working By May 1856 he had moved his studio over an almost obscured photographic back to Liverpool St, two doors below base. He was arguably Australia’s best at Campbell St. He advertised offering a this technique. Later, as the quality of new style of portrait in Swiss crayons, photographs improved, it was less necessary aided by photographs, which indicated to hide the base, and the overall cost fell.84 that his great ability to overpaint In a letter home from Hobart to her photographs artistically had emerged.78 sister in law Charlotte dated 10 June 1858, Fifth child Marcella was born in 1857, and after eight years of marriage, Julia gives but died less than two weeks later. an insight into William’s character: A review of the 1858 Art Treasures Exhibition referred to fine works by I believe him to be as good a Sharp and Dowling.79 The experience man as it is possible for a human of colouring of Sharp’s photographs being to be, not an atom of self in likely assisted with the evolution of his composition.85 William’s remarkable pastel overpainted photographic portraits.80 In Hobart, c 1858, he produced an In 1858, he produced a fine overpainted portrait on a photographic overpainted portrait of Father William enlargement of Andrew Crombie, the Hall who took special interest in first council clerk in Hobart 1853–54 the care of the sick and poor, and (plate 21). the establishment of church schools, the Catholic Young Men’s Society Moving to Launceston and and Sisterhood of Mary (plate 20). arrival of Matthew Members of the Catholic Young Men’s By April 1859 William and Julia had Society held a special function for their moved from Hobart to George Street, President, attended by 500 people, at Launceston and his commitment to which Dowling’s full-length portrait was photography had increased, perhaps to presented. This impressive portrait was an accommodate the skills of his brother important commission.81 Matthew (Mathias Paul or Patrick While occasionally producing true Dowling), who arrived from Ireland about portraits, more and more he overpainted that time. Their sixth child Bernard John 86 the surface of enlarged photographs was born 17 July 1859. 28. using watercolour, pastel, crayon, oil and Since 1854, Dowling had become William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), combinations of these, and became known embroiled with photography and was George Ritchie, c 1860, pastel over as an ‘artist-photographer’. Those who painting fewer portraits. He had advised albumen silver photograph on paper over adapted in this way survived, those who his brother Matthew in Ireland, from canvas, 61 x 48.5 cm. Queen Victoria didn’t disappeared. His early enlargements ‘bitter experience’ of the technical Museum & Art Gallery, Launceston, QVM were likely made by re-photographing difficulties.87 His commitment to 1957.61:2, gift of Mr G D Ritchie c 1939 onto a larger plate, rendering modest mastering photography is evident, increases in size.82 From the early 1860s after initial difficulties which are 29. the enlargement was likely achieved using understandable for someone from an art/ William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), the solar camera, or enlarger, which threw literary rather than a science/technical Unidentified woman, c 1860, pastel over albumen silver photograph on paper the image of an illuminated negative, via background. Photography brought art over canvas, 63 x 48 cm. Queen Victoria a lens, onto a sheet of sensitized paper and science together. He was taking Museum & Art Gallery, QVM 1956:61:12 in a darkened enclosure, and generally daguerreotypes now, and wrote of sending

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 39 some home to Ireland, but unfortunately photographs, and considers that I none seems to have survived. have a perfect right to do so. Mr. Photography was advancing rapidly. Frith himself, after he left Mr. Sharp, Many new methods were evolving, such exhibited specimens which were as salted paper prints, calotypes, wet photographed by Mr. Sharp, and only plates, ambrotypes, tintypes, albumen coloured by him. I, on the contrary, prints, dry plates, chromatypes and was constantly in the habit of taking stereographs. These techniques were them, Mr. Sharp having communicated soon available in Tasmania and known to me (and to me only) the entire secret to Dowling. The wet-plate collodion of his admirable mode of operating, process had reached Van Diemen’s Land by which he acquired the reputation in 1854. William took wet-collodion of being the best photographer in the negatives and likely ambrotypes, though Australian colonies. again none has been identified. To shew the opinion entertained of Australian examples of albumen prints me as a photographer by Mr. Sharp date from 1855.88 Most are contact prints I quote the following passage from a from wet-plate negatives. Dowling used letter which I received from him this albumen paper for his cdvs, and, using wet week, in reference to photographs plates and the solar camera, produced his executed by me since my arrival in enlarged, pastel overpainted photographic Launceston :— “The photographs portraits, where the albumen prints were which you sent me are first-rate, generally attached to a canvas stretcher particularly that of the Rev. Mr. and overpainted. Occasionally albumen Ewing.” And in a letter to Dr. emulsion may have been applied direct to Grant, of this city, he says, “Mr. the canvas. Dowling is perfect master of In Hobart in 1855, Walter Dickenson the chromotype process.” I feel had established a Calotype Gallery in indebted to Mr. Frith’s peevishness partnership with John Sharp. Later in and Jealousy for affording me this 1855, on Dickenson’s return to England, opportunity of laying these flattering Frederick Frith succeeded him in the testimonials before the public. partnership. In June 1856, after Frith had William Paul Dowling, George. set up his own business, Dowling started street, Opposite the Post-office.91 painting photographs for Sharp, preferred ahead of Alfred Bock.89 Dowling, a more The wet-plate collodion process was skilled artist, also charged less. Knowledge suited to studio portraiture, but less so of salted paper and the calotype process for landscape photography, as the plates would have passed from Dickenson to remained sensitive only while wet and Sharp, Frith and Dowling.90 thus required portable chemicals, water and a dark room. In 1855 the collodion- 30. To THE PUBLIC.-Having seen a albumen dry plate process arrived and was Matthew P. Dowling (c 1823–1890), Unknown written paper in Mr. Frith’s window, simplified in 1858.92 Dowling was unlikely man, woman and child, c 1865, hand- coloured cdv, 10.4 x 6.2 cm. Private collection intimating that certain photographs to have used dry plate negatives, as the exhibited by me in Messrs. Walch’s exposure time was about twice that for wet 31. shop were taken by his late partner, plates and too long for portraiture. Matthew P. Dowling (c 1823–1890), Mr. Sharp, of the firm of Sharp In 1858, the tintype process reached verso of cdv plate 30, c 1865, 'Dowling' and Frith, I beg to state that I was Australia under the name melainotype.93 A Hobart. Private collection in partnership with Mr. Sharp for tintype portrait of Susannah Fisher, taken upwards of two years, and that the in Launceston in about 1865, may have 32. photographs in question were taken been taken by Dowling. The chair has the William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), by us jointly during that time, and same ornately carved back and cushion verso of cdv, c 1865 ‘W. Paul Dowling, that Mr. Frith had no connection seat as one which appeared as a prop (also Photographer and Artist, Quadrant, whatever with Mr. Sharp at the time helping to keep the subject still) in several Launceston.’ Private collection of their being taken. Mr. Sharp is of his cartes de visite (cdvs). The lower area quite aware that I am exhibiting those of this photograph has been extensively

40 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 overpainted in oil, and the plainer chair for the last two years to this branch of legs, which are too heavy and crude, appear the art, and has been favoured with 33. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), to have been painted in (plate 22). sittings from numbers of the most Madame Marie Carandini, c 1863–1865, Chromatypes, which used chromium influential persons in the colony, photograph albumen silver carte de visite rather than silver sensitising salts, were being among others he may mention — on card 10.7 x 6.5 cm. State Library of produced in Hobart in 1855. William knew their Excellencies Sir Henry and Lady Victoria, accession no H10446 the process well, as indicated on 13 April Young, the Hon. The Speaker, the 1859 when he advertised in the Launceston Hon. Messrs. Champ, Anstey, Wedge, 34. Examiner the establishment in Launceston Allison, Clarke, Weston, Kermode, William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), of ‘Dowling’s Chromatype Gallery’, which Bisdee, Gell, Douglas, Drs. Bedford, Ronald Campbell Gunn, c 1862, by 26 April had become ‘Messrs Dowlings’ and Officer, &c. He has also executed photograph gelatin silver print copy Chromatype Gallery’ after his brother portraits for the Lord Bishop of of original carte de visite. Tasmanian joined him in late April 1859.94 The full Tasmania, the Bishop of Hobart Town, Museum & Art Gallery, Q613 advertisement of 13 April lists some of the Lord Chief Justice, the late Mayor,

William’s influential subjects:95 and most of the Merchants and 35. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Mrs Traders of Hobart Town. Ronald Campbell Gunn (née Margaret DOWLING’S Chromatype Gallery. — The Photographic Department will Legrand Jamieson), c 1862, photograph George-street (opposite the post-office.) be conducted by his brother Mr. gelatin silver print copy of original carte Wm. Paul Dowling, Artist and Mathias P. Dowling (Prizeman and de visite. Tasmanian Museum & Art Photographer, begs to inform the Graduate in the Dublin School of Gallery, Q614 ladies and gentlemen of Launceston Chemistry under Sir Robert Kane), and the surrounding districts, that he who has lately arrived in the colony has opened the above establishment, with a magnificent apparatus, and respectfully solicits an inspection including a set of Grubbs new patent William to write in August 1859 ‘… she of his specimens lenses of the largest size, which for declares she will never sit with him at a Mr Dowling’s chromatype portraits beauty of definition, and absence of table.’ By 1860, Matthew was travelling are produced the full size of life, and focal distortion are considered by the around the countryside and independently when finished in oil or crayons they scientific world to be unequalled. taking pictures, perhaps induced by the present the appearance of highly tense situation with Julia. He was in finished paintings, while in point of Matthew worked exclusively as a Deloraine from about May to July 1860, resemblance they can only be equalled photographer, William as a painter and and in Torquay in January 1861. by the refection in a looking glass. Mr photographer. Julia increasingly disliked In 1864 an advertisement noted ‘Mr Dowling has devoted his entire time Matthew, and a rift developed, prompting Dowling also continues to take Crayon-

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 41 A camera in the background isn’t visible Assistant Commissary by Governor 36. enough to see if it has the twin lenses of Macquarie, then Hobart Commissariat, William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), models available from 1855 on. Julia and, in 1819, placed in control of Port George Augustus Robinson, copy of a posed for her photograph at the same Dalrymple. Woolmers was one of several photograph, sepia toned carte de visite, time (plate 24). These photographs have homesteads the family built. Thomas 10 x 6 cm, c 1860s. Allport Library & Museum of Fine Arts, SD_ILS:615750, been enhanced by overpainting Julia’s married Susannah née Hortle in 1816, and received from R C Gunn 29 Sept 1873 bracelet and the brass equipment fittings she probably commissioned the portraits in in gold, and slightly reddening the faces. the early 1860s, after his death.97 37. No examples of stereographs taken by Also in the early 1860s William William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Dowling have been identified. produced an overpainted portrait of Unknown man, c 1864-1866, carte de These innovative photographic George Ritchie. George was the third son visite, 6.4 x 10.1 cm, printed on front processes did not develop in a of Captain Thomas Ritchie (1789–1871) ‘Dowling Dublin’. Libraries Tasmania, rigid sequential manner. There was who in 1833 had established successful Launceston Library, LSC/PF considerable overlap which continued flour mills at Scone, his property at Perth for years. For example, daguerreotypes in northern Tasmania. George became 38. were still being taken into the 1870s and a successful farmer and councillor. This Advertisement for Paul Dowling’s Portraits tintypes into the 1920s. magnificent work captures the ‘different by the new Elephantinon process, from In Launceston, c 1860, William texture of the skin, hair, & cloth of the Walch’s Tasmanian Almanac 1864 produced fine portraits of Susannah coat, shirt & tie, using a very difficult Archer (1801–1875) and Thomas Archer medium’ (plate 28). Another example (1790–1850), likely commissioned at the is of an unidentified woman, c 1860, same time, after Thomas’s death (plates her cap and coiffure more typical of the Chromatype Portraits.’ 25–26) The portrait of Susannah was a 1840s, and dress the late 1850s (plate By the late 1850s, Tasmanians were contemporary overpainted photograph. 29).98 These two portraits show Dowling’s producing stereographs, taken with a The portrait of Thomas was likely based overpainting skill at its zenith. stereo camera and viewed in a stereoscope. on a photo, taken by Dowling, of an earlier William was familiar with these c 1840 oil portrait by Henry Mundy Family grief techniques, confirmed in a photograph, (plate 27), which was then overpainted, While still living in George Street their taken c 1850s, in which he is holding what to create the pair.96 The three portraits seventh child, Maria De Veaux was born appears to be a Brewster Stereoscope, the hang at historic Woolmers homestead. in 1860, but died soon after birth. Four stereo card or glass plate yet to be pushed Thomas Archer had arrived in Sydney 18 of the seven Dowling children had died down into the slit for viewing (plate 23). January 1812, and was appointed Deputy in infancy – Marcella of scarlatina at 16

42 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 months; Maria, dysentery at four and a half The press reported at the time that months; Mary minimus at nine months; William was a “successful manipulator and William, a stoppage of the bowel at only of the Photographic Art”, noting that he 12 days.99 William attributed these early was one of the first in Tasmania to use deaths to Julia’s frailty, and his inability to a camera.101 afford a servant. Perhaps contact with toxic Early in 1861 he moved his premises photographic chemicals had contributed. from George Street to St John Street, The physical and emotional impact next to the Synagogue where he built a of the accumulated grief, added to the large glasshouse.102 ‘Glasshouses’, which hostility between Julia and Matthew, provided direct sunlight controllable must have been debilitating. William’s with the use of screens and curtains, were low spirits are reflected in his articulately important for daguerreotypists and wet expressed despair at photography plate photographers. They could consist of a replacing ‘true art’. sloping skylight, bay window, an annex with 39. Unknown photographer, William Paul a sloped roof and side lighting windows, or a Dowling, c 1865, numbered 3 en verso. It is so long since I have seen a good proper conservatory in cooler regions.103 Allport Library & Museum of Fine Arts, picture that I almost forget what a good In mid-1861 he and Julia felt frustrated PH40/1/574 item 3 picture is. I dare hardly call myself an and isolated – possibly looked down upon artist, I am only a photographer and because he was an ex-convict, Catholic and 40. as I grow old I find all my personal Irish – and began to think of returning William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), ambition merge in anxiety for my home to Ireland: Governor F A Weld, 1876, mezzotint children and sometimes when I feel photograph, 25.1 x 30.9 cm. Libraries a feeble impulse to do “something” I I dare say I could make a living there Tasmania, Launceston Library, find myself obliged to go and scrub and I can’t do much more here, and we LMSS 754-1-107 glasses to reflect the “mugs” of snobs. have no comfort in our lives as we feel They say Landseer nicknamed this art ourselves in a land of strangers.104 41. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), the “Foe-to-graphic Art” and truly I Unknown man, c 1870, albumen print think it is. This and Julian’s French The Hobart Art Treasures Exhibition cdv, hand coloured, 10.3 x 6.2 cm. Private lithographs are the greatest enemies of 1863 included a Dowling watercolour collection true art ever had. It seduces away its portrait of a man, indicating that Dowling votaries, starves real artists and fills the still painted direct portraits. In December 42. world with artisteens”.100 1863 they had moved to a house and Verso of plate 41

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 43 shop in the Quadrant where they remained portrait appears in several of Dowling’s cdvs. until sailing for Ireland in 1866. The painted backdrop, chair, and painted An independent Matthew was based wooden balustrade and plinth chosen in Hobart for a period, where he entered for Margaret’s photo all differ from those partnerships with J C Sommers and selected by Madame Carandini. briefly with P L Reid, before returning to In the 1860s Dowling produced a cdv Launceston when his brother departed for copy of a photograph, taken earlier, of Ireland in 1866 (plate 30). The brothers’ George Augustus Robinson (plate 36). addresses on the back of their carte de Robinson was brought in as a ‘conciliator’, visites confirm the different addresses his assignment to resettle the Aboriginal of Matthew and William at that time people at Wybalenna on Flinders Island. His (plates 31–32).105 involvement ended soon after resettlement, Cartes de visite (cdvs), introduced into and Wybalenna became more akin to a Tasmania in 1859, became an important prison. While his initial intentions seemed part of William’s business.106 They were genuine, his departure is viewed as a ‘turning usually made of an albumen print, a thin point for the worse’, and his place in history paper photograph, mounted on a thicker is generally viewed negatively.109 card, approx. 11.5 x 6.5 cm. Multiple In 1864 William advertised offering the negatives were taken on a single glass elephantinon process, crayon-chromatype plate, using a multi-lens camera, enabling portraiture, and new glasshouse accessories the production of inexpensive prints. which greatly improved his ‘Carte-portraits’ Cdvs meant the arrival of a cheap portrait (plate 37).110 The elephantinon process available to the public. gave the photograph the softness, delicacy They usually had the studio address and translucency of ivory. The end result, a printed en verso, and sometimes advertised product which resembled ivory miniatures, new processes. Sitters dressed in their best but which aged quickly and darkened, left or made use of the photographer’s outfits. little likelihood of survivors today.111 Photographs were taken in elaborate studio settings with painted back drops, patterned Return to Ireland floor cloths and specially made furniture. In March 1866, William and family Today, familiar settings and props can be returned to Ireland. Matthew took over used to identify the photographer.107 Dowling’s Photographic Gallery in the From his studio at the Quadrant, c 1863– Quadrant. Before departing, William 1865, William produced a cdv of the famous recommended Matthew, referring to his Tasmanian opera singer Marie Carandini skill as a photographer, and knowledge (plate 33). His cdvs from this period are of chemistry.112 characterised by beautiful scenic settings, William established a photographic typified by the painted backdrop, wooden business at 20 Lincoln Place in Dublin and column and balustrade, and heavily carved exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy chair chosen, from a selection of props, by of Arts in 1868.113 About 1867 he likely Madame Carandini. This chair appears in produced a cdv of an unknown man, the several of Dowling’s cvds from the 1860s. print inscribed on the front ‘Dowling About 1862 he produced cdvs of Ronald Dublin’ (plate 38). Campbell Gunn and his second wife The Irish economy was still depressed and 43. Margaret (plates 34–35). These are gelatin the enterprise probably struggled. ‘Home’ William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), silver copies of William’s photos. Ronald wasn’t living up to expectations, and the F C W Barber in full tartans, albumen print held several important positions during his family was back in Launceston after two cdv, 10.6 x 6.3 cm. Private collection career, including Superintendent of Convicts and a half years. Their first child Henry, 44. in North Tasmania, Police Magistrate, aged 17, died at sea on the return journey. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Private Secretary to Sir and William, Julia, Juliana and Bernard returned 114 P L Hearne with tricycle, c 1870s, cdv, Clerk of the Executive and Legislative to Launceston 15 September 1868. By 10 x 6 cm approx. Allport Library and Councils. He was also an eminent botanist this time Irish Nationalist politics had ‘passed Museum of Fine Arts, NS4837-1-31 and scientist. His statue stands in City Park, William by’, confirming art as his true Launceston.108 The tablecloth used in Gunn’s vocation and livelihood.

44 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 45. William Paul Dowling (c 1822– 1877), Juliana Dowling, c 1875, oil on canvas, 60 x 48 cm. Private collection

46. William Paul Dowling (c 1822– 1877), Father Julian Tenison Woods, c 1874-1876, cdv 9.5 x 5.5 cm on card 10 x 6 cm. Given to Nora Slattery (Mrs Ryan of Pitt Town) sister of Sr Margaret, Courtesy of Sisters of St Josephs of the Sacred Archives, SO45–016/045

William and Matthew feud and eyebrows, texture to the hair, and painted gold (plate 41). En verso, the On his return to Launceston, a bitter other re-touching. These extensive pen photo refers to ‘William Paul Dowling, family dispute flared and the brothers and wash additions have not faded at the Artist and Photographer, Launceston’, established rival studios. William same rate as the original photo, and stand Dowling still referring to himself first as based his studio and home in Brisbane out rather crudely, where once they would an artist and second as a photographer, to Street, and Matthew stayed at the have blended in at the same tone.119 set himself apart from those who hadn’t Quadrant. Between October 1868 The Weld family was one of the leading trained in art. Also, en verso, the photo and June 1869 both advertised in the Roman Catholic families of England. advertises the studio address at Brisbane Launceston Times. In mid-June 1869, Frederick served as the 6th Prime Street, Launceston (plate 42). the mutual antagonism erupted, based Minister of New Zealand, 8th Governor In July 1874, he photographed three- on the authenticity of works. Matthew of Western Australia, 4th Governor of year-old Francis George Webb Barber, accused William of selling, as his own Tasmania, and later 12th Governor of from Westbury near Launceston, works, photographs which Matthew the Straits Settlements.120 This work is beautifully attired in full tartan (plate had taken.115 Probably at about this of historical importance, and a great 43); in 1916, at the age of 45, Francis time William’s photograph was taken. compliment to William, that the Hobart- enlisted in the AIF. Also likely in the Although in poor condition, this is an based Governor was photographed in his 1870s, he produced a delightful cdv of important, later in life, image (plate 39). Launceston studio. the boy P L Hearne with an amazing In 1870 William advertised French Sennotype, introduced into Australia in tricycle with horse seat (plate 44). mezzo-tint portraits and American 1862, was a printing assemblage process These two photographs show that sennotypes.116 Mezzo-tint was a method which produced a greater cdvs, because of their low cost and to soften photographic portraits. The range of tones, much blacker shadows ease of production, were available for process aimed to camouflage the sitter’s and steady gradation of the mid-tones. the whole family. Sitters for expensive disfiguring facial blemishes, often obvious Though Dowling advertised the photographic and true portraits were in conventional photographs.117 In June process, no examples of his works generally successful adults. Both boys 1876, William produced a photograph have been identified.121 lean on objects to keep still. of Governor Sir Frederick Aloysius Weld, Cdvs continued to be a major part William painted a beautiful traditional reported as a ‘beautiful mezzo-tint 10 x of William’s business. About 1870, he oil portrait of his daughter Juliana, 12 inches enclosed in a gilt frame’ (plate produced a photo of an unidentified man. probably in the mid-1870s before she 40). The ornate desk appears in other With historical portraiture, sitters often became a nun (plate 45). This painting, 1870s photographs.118 After likely using cannot be identified. The photo has been painted for his brother John and wife mezzotint to remove facial imperfections, hand tinted, the hair and face slightly Charlotte in Ireland, is one of his finest William added emphasis to the eyelashes reddened, and studs and watch chain works, a special effort made as Juliana

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 45 47. William Paul Dowling (c 1822–1877), Father John Nepomucene Hinteroecker, lying in state, 1872, cdv. Courtesy of the Archives of the Society of Jesus in Australia

(Julia) was a favourite. She played piano the Bishop of Hobart to conduct a next door which Matthew occupied. solos and acted as an accompanist in mission in Tasmania, he had contracted By 1878, F Standfield was the owner several concerts in Launceston. influenza in Launceston. He was buried of the house and photographic studio, His health failing, William made in Hobart, and soon after, his body was then occupied by the photographer Juliana, aged 24, a ward of his friend exhumed and returned to St Ignatius Stephen Spurling.127 Stephen had worked Father Julian Tenison Woods. Between Catholic Church in Norwood, South in his father’s Hobart studio in the 1874 and 1876, Dowling took several Australia, which he had built. Fr Woods 1860s and later set up in Launceston. cdvs of Father Woods, who suggested and Fr Hinteroecker shared an interest in His enterprise was very successful, likely that Juliana enter the Sisters of St science and became close friends.125 assisted by William’s state of the art Joseph at their convent at Perthville near photographic studio.128 Bathurst NSW, where she was known The last years Matthew inherited the business, sold all as Sister John (plate 46).122 Later she In the 1874 Valuation Roll, William the Dowling negatives to W Burrows & became Fr Woods’s secretary and stayed was the tenant of a house and shop Co.129 and retired. He died, aged about with him until his death in 1889.123 in Brisbane St Launceston. However 67, on 25 April 1890 in the billiard room Fr Woods first arrived in Tasmania in 1875, while he still occupied the of the Launceston Working Men’s Club, in 1855 and was ordained in Adelaide property, Juliana was now the owner. where he had been a member for about on 4 January 1857. He founded the In February 1877 an advertisement 25 years; his name was given as M. Paul Sisters of St Joseph at Penola, to bring for Dowling’s Portrait Gallery claimed Dowling.130 Bernard joined the NSW Catholic education to the children of ‘having one of the finest and best lighted Police Force in February 1880, but died poor families. Saint Mary MacKillop studios in the island’, likely the result of as a result of a fall from a horse in January was one of its first members. In 1866 he recent construction work which included 1882. Of the seven children, only the nun was appointed the first Director-General a glasshouse. Here, on 3 August 1877, he Juliana survived. William and Julia had of Catholic Education in Australia, and died of tetanus following an operation; no grandchildren.131 the Sisters of St Joseph, greatly helped his wife Julia had died some years before. On 5 August 1877, two days after he by Mary’s strength of character and Reporting his death, the Launceston died, Juliana wrote to her aunt Charlotte leadership, became the backbone of the Examiner stated that Dowling was telling of William’s death. Catholic education system. Woods was best known for the production of also a scientist and geologist, publishing photographic portraits, especially his With all his suffering it was a happy over 150 papers in eminent journals and system of enlarging photos which were death, he was perfectly well prepared transactions. In 1874 he returned to then finished in oil or crayons. The and had all the sacraments … He Tasmania where he formed a friendship Cornwell Chronicle noted that ‘Mr blessed me and Berny, bade us with William, then in 1887 moved to Dowling was an amiable man of quiet, goodbye and put his arms around Sydney in failing health.124 retiring demeanour, very much respected, Uncle Mat’s neck and kissed him William photographed Father John and liked best by those who were longest and said in gasps – I beg pardon if Nepomucene Hinteroecker lying in acquainted with him.’126 Juliana, organist I ever offended anybody. It was state after he had died suddenly on 6 at The Church of the Apostles, remained lovely death. His soul was so sweet October 1872 (plate 47). Invited by the owner of the shop, and of the house and simple.132

46 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020 Conclusion ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS records https://digitalarchive.rds.ie William Paul Dowling was a talented The excellent publications, Letters of an 10. Evening Packet 10 Dec 1842. artist and artist-photographer who Irish Patriot edited by Margaret Glover 11. Glover op cit p 15 12. Brendan Kiely, The Waterford Rebels of made a significant contribution to & Alf MacLochlainn, and The Painted 1849, Geographic Publications, Dublin Australian art and photographic history. Portrait Photograph in Tasmania 1850– 2001 p 7. He established himself in Van Diemen’s 1900 by John McPhee, were of great 13. Ibid p 8. Land, first as an artist, then as an assistance. Peter Rae, Kaye Pickett and 14. Glover, op cit p 16. artist-photographer, and finally as a Kim Gatenby enabled me to photograph 15. Ibid pp 31-33. (Letter 1, Wakefield Yorkshire, 24 Dec 1845). photographer, but always retained his the works at Woolmers Estate. Gael 16. Ibid p 31. (Letter 1, Wakefield Yorkshire, ability to paint ‘true art’. He reluctantly Newton guided my understanding of the 24 Dec 1845). made the change from ‘true artist’ to early photographic processes. 17. Richard Davis, ‘Unpublicised Young photographer, necessary to survive in Others who assisted in many ways are Ireland Prisoners in VDL’, THRA vol 38, the industry, but always advertised as Fr Peter Addicot, Yvonne Adkins, Maeve no 3 & 4, Dec 1991, p 132. ‘Artist and Photographer’. He was a Ahern, Sr Lauretta Baker, Graham 18. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutions_of_1848, accessed 24 Sep 2020. devout Catholic, and he and the Church Baring, Scott Carlin, Paul Cox, Jennifer 19.  Kiely, op cit p 70. were mutually supportive. Many of the Fitzgibbon, Dr Prudence Francis, 20. Glover, op cit p 19. colony’s eminent citizens, of all sects, Rhonda Hamilton, Fr Michael Head, 21. John Simkin, Kennington Common Mass were his customers. Janet Howse, Imogen Kennard-King, Meeting, Spartacus Educational, Sept William produced watercolour, crayon Roslyn Kennedy, Alf MacLochlainn, 1997, updated Jan 2020. 22.  Kiely, op cit p 2. and oil portraits, enlarged overpainted Prue McCausland, Paul McCotter, 23. The Orange Tree Conspirators, www. photographic portraits and conventional Ian Morrison, Kathleen Norman, Lisa chartistsancestors.co.uk.1 photographs. He was arguably Australia’s Olrichs, Elizabeth Parker, Andrew 24. Kiely, op cit p 69. best exponent of overpainted, enlarged Parsons, Steve Pearsall, Sr Colleen 25. Glover, op cit p 35 (Letter 2, London, 20 photographic portraits during the brief Power, John Stephenson, Caitlin Sutton, Aug 1848. period when this was a most desirable Clifford Terry, Natasha Serne, Sr Jan 26. Glover, op cit p 19 27. Ibid p 42 (Letter 4, Newgate, Sept 1848). form of portraiture. He employed several Tranter, Annabel Tyson, James Tyson, 28. Ibid p 23. of the new photographic techniques which Tom Vasey, Jacqui Ward, Ashleigh 29. Orange Tree Conspiracy, posted by emerged between 1850 and 1880. With Watling and Jasmine Yee. Reddebrek, libcom.org, 16 Oct 2016. his close friend Robin Hood, he produced 30. Glover, op cit p 20. historically important lithographs. 31. Adelaide Voyages to Australia, http:// A good man, devout and principled, convictrecords.com.au/ships/adelaide, British Convict Transportation register, he experienced considerable grief: exiled NOTES State Library of Qld 2020. from his beloved Ireland; the premature 1. Pers comm Dr Paul McCotter, School of 32. Glover, op cit pp 50-51 (Letter 6, on deaths of his wife and five of his seven History, University College Cork. board ship, Wed 28 & 29 Nov 1849). children; the disappointment of the 2. E.g. Launceston Examiner 23 Apr 1859 33. Adelaide Voyages, op cit. return to Ireland; the dispute with his p 4. 34. Journal of Surgeon Frederick W Le 3. Margaret Glover & Alf MacLochlainn Grand on the voyage of the Adelaide in brother Matthew. (eds), Letters of an Irish Patriot: William 1849, Ancestry.com. UK, Royal Naval Paul Dowling in Tasmania, Tasmanian Medical Journals, 1817–1857 (database Historical Research Association, Sandy on-line). Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Bay (Tas) 2005. Operations Inc 2011. 4. Ibid p 12. 35. Glover op cit p 51. (Letter 6, on board 5. Ibid p 24. ship, 28–29 Nov 1849). 6. Dublin Morning Record, 8 Jan 1839. 36. Ibid p 49. (Letter 6, on board ship, 24 7. Freeman's Journal, 12 Jul 1841. Nov 1849); ibid p 127. (Letter 6, on board 8. Glover op cit p 15 ship, 26 Nov 1849, Note 50, p 127). 9. Royal Dublin Society Digital School 37. Ibid pp 48-49. (Letter 6, on board ship, Sat 24 Nov 1849); ibid p 49. (Letter 6, on Robert Stevens is a retired metallurgist and business man. He board ship, Nov 1849, Note 43, p 127). 38. Free Settler or Felon, https:// studied metallurgy at RMIT and the University of Melbourne, www, Jenwilletts.com/convict_shp_ and has an MBA from Swinburne University of Technology. adelaide_1849.htm, Report of the Though interested in Australiana generally, his special area is the Principal Superintendent of Convicts, early colonial painters, especially convict artists. He chairs the J McLean, Principal Superintendent – Victorian branch of the Australiana Society and can be contacted Convict Discipline and Transportation Correspondence, Sydney, 14 Jan 1850. at [email protected]. 39. Robin Vaughan Hood (1802–1888), Trove, viewed 24 June 2020,

NOVEMBER 2020 Australiana 47 gov.au/nla party-1487467>. 68. Glover, op cit p 79. (Letter 10, Landsdown edited June 2020, viewed 18 July 2020. 40. Glover op cit p 52 (Letter 6, on board Cres., Hobart, 1 May 1854). 110. Long op cit p 46 (Walch’s Tasmanian ship, 28–29 Nov 1849). 69. Ibid p 87. (Letter 14, 24 Davy St, Hobart Almanac 1864). 41. Joan Kerr, ‘Tasmania’s Earliest Art Town, 31 Dec 1854). 111. The Photographic News, 30 Aug 1861; Exhibitions’, THRA, vol 34, no 3, Sept 70. Glover, op cit p 92. (Letter 14, extra pers comm Gael Newton 21 April 2020. 1987 p 84. note p 92: note 121 p 134 - Hobart Town 112. Glover, op cit p 112 (extra note, p112; 42. Glover, op cit pp 52–53. (Letter 6, on Advertiser, 23 June 1854, p 1). note 160, p 136 – Launceston Examiner board ship, 9 Dec 1849). 71. Craig, op cit p 14. 15 Mar 1866, p 4 & 5). 43. Ibid p 56. (Letter 7, 9 Liverpool St corner 72. Hobart Mercury, 27 Dec 1920 p 7. 113. Ann M Stewart, Royal Hibernian of Campbell St, Hobarton, 10 Feb 1850). 73.  Horton College, Wikipedia, viewed 20 Academy of Arts, Index of Exhibitions 44. Joan Kerr, 1983 ‘Eldershaw Memorial May 2020, last updated Dec. 2019. 1826-1979, Vol 1, Dublin, 1985. Lecture, Mary Morton Allport and the 74. Sir Richard Dry, Wikipedia, viewed 9 114. Glover, op cit p 112. (Letter 18, Status of the Colonial “Lady Painter”’, August 2020, last updated Oct 2019. Launceston, 14 July 1861; extra note, THRA, vol 31, no 2, June 1984 p 3. 75. John Reynolds, ‘Dry, Sir Richard (1815– p 112; note 162, p 137 – Launceston 45. ‘Who were the Allports?’ Libraries Tasmania, 1869)’, ADB, vol 1, p 329f. Examiner 15 Sep 1866 p 2). https://www.libraries.tas.gov.au. 76. Craig, op cit p 36. 115. Ibid p 113 p 114. (Letter 18, Launceston, 46. ADB vol 3, pp 501–503. 77. St Joseph’s Catholic Church Hobart, 14 July 1861; extra note, p 113f; notes 47. M Dollery, ‘Buckland, John Richard Australian Christian Church Histories, 164 to 169, p 137). (1819–1874)’, ADB, vol 3 p 287f. 2020, Mesuva website. 116. Ibid p 116. (Letter 18, Launceston, 14 July 48. Francis Meredith (1831–1910), NLA, 78. Glover, op cit, p 92. 1861; extra note, p 116; note 172 – Walch’s http://nla.gov.au/party 1483566. 79. Hobart Town Daily Mercury 10 Jul Literary Examiner Dec 1870 p 257 and 49. G T Stilwell, Correspondence to Mr 1858 p 4 Walch’s Tasmanian Almanac 1871 p 36). Joseph Brown, Allport Library and 80. John McPhee, The Painted Portrait 117. Pers comm Gael Newton, 30 Mar 2020. Museum of Fine Art, Special Collections – Photograph in Tasmania 1850-1900, 118. Glover, op cit p 119. (Letter 19, Launceston, 2476, 21 Aug 1980. Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, to Bernard John Dowling, 11 June 1875; 50. Glover, op cit p 58 p 59. (Letter 7, 9 2007 p 100. extra note p 119; note 177 p 137). Liverpool St corner of Campbell St, 81. Ibid p 44. 119. Pers comm Gael Newton, 23 June 2020. Hobarton, 10 Feb 1850). 82. Pers comm Gael Newton, 3 May 2020. 120. Frederick Weld, Wikipedia, Sourced 22 51. Ibid , p 65. (Letter 8, note 78 p 130); 83. Ibid . June 2020, Last edited 11 June 2020. Launceston Examiner 15 Mar 1851 p 4. 84. McPhee, op cit pp 7-10. 121. Newton, op cit. 52. Ibid p 67. (Letter 8, extra note p 67). 85. Glover, op cit p 93 122. Josephine Margaret Brady, St Joseph’s 53. Courier , 13 Aug 1851 p 1; 30 Aug 86. Ibid p 90. Island: Julian Tenison Woods and the 1851 p 1. 87. Ibid p 84. (Letter 13, Hobart, Oct 1854). Tasmanian Sisters of St Joseph, ATF 54. Cornwall Chronicle 25 Oct 1851 p 682; 88. Timeline produced for the exhibition The Press, 1985. John Jones, Robert Dowling, NGA Photograph and Australia, Judy Annear 123. Glover, op cit postscript p 123. Canberra 2010. (Curator), Art Gallery of NSW, 21 March (note 187, p 138 - Information from 55. Pers comm Kaye Pickett, 29 April 2020. to 8 June 2015. Margaret Crowley Archivist St Joseph’s 56.  Purrumbete, Heritage Council of Victoria, 89. McPhee, op cit p 101. Congregational Centre, Perthville NSW). Victorian Heritage Database, viewed 8 90. Chris Long, Tasmanian Photographers 124. Julian’s Story, Sisters of St Joseph of August 2020 https://vhd.heritagecouncil. 1840-1940, THRA & TMAG, Hobart, the Sacred Heart, Last updated August viv.gov.au. 1995, p 41 & 52. 2019, Trustees of Sisters of St Joseph 57. Glover, op cit p 68. (Letter 9, Hobart, 1851). 91.  Launceston Examiner 30 Apr 1859 p 3. 2020. 58. Ibid p 70. 92. Timeline, op cit. 125. The Little Flock – early parishioners 59. Ibid p 72. (Letter 9, extra note p 72; note 95, 93. Ibid. of St Ignatius, St Ignatius Parish p 131 - RGB, Hobart Deaths 1803/1852, 94. Launceston Examiner 7 May 1859 p 1; 23 Sesquicentenary, St Ignatius website, Wood’s Almanac 1853, p 108). Apr 1859 p 4; 26 Apr 1859 p 3. viewed 22 August 2020, stignatius150.org. 60.  Clifford Craig, More Old Tasmanian 95. Cornwall Chronicle 13 Apr 1859 p 7. 126. Cornwall Chronicle 6 Aug 1877 p 25; Prints, Foot & Playsted, Launceston, 96. McPhee, op cit p 15. G T Stilwell & Joan Kerr, William Paul 1984, pp 17–18. 97. G T Stilwell, ‘Archer, Thomas (1790– Dowling, DAAO, Biography, 1992, Last 61. Brian Andrews, Creating a Gothic 1850)’, ADB vol 1, p 25f. updated 14 April 2020. Paradise Pugin at the Antipodes 2002, 98. McPhee, op cit p 50 & 52. 127. Glover, op cit p 137 p 138. (Letter 19, to 9.1 painting, p 93. 99. Glover, op cit p 135. Bernard John Dowling, 11 June 1875, p 62. ‘Willson, Robert William’ ADB 2 p 607. 100. Ibid p 106–107. 137f, note 178). 63. Our History, Sisters of Charity of Australia 101. Walch’s Literary Intelligencer, Feb 1861, 128.  Christine Burgess, The Spurling legacy Website, viewed 22 August 2020, p 125. and the emergence of wilderness sistersofcharity.org.au. 102. Glover, op cit p 111. photography in Tasmania, PhD thesis, 64. Pers comm Imogen Kennard-King, 103. Pers comm Gael Newton 3 May 2020. University of Tasmania, Hobart, 2010. Collections Registrar, Sisters of Charity 104. Glover, op cit p 110. 129. Kerr, op cit p 220. Congregational Archives, 26 Aug 2020. 105. Ibid p 112. 130. Launceston Examiner, 26 Apr 1890 p 65. Glover, op cit p 76f. (Letter 10, 106. Timeline, op cit. 2; Glover, op cit postscript p 123. (note Landsdown Cres., Hobart, 1 May 1854). 107. Carte de visite. McPhee, op cit p 54. 185, p 138). 66. Davis, op cit p 133. 108. Ronald Campbell Gunn, Wikipedia, last 131. Ibid postscript p 123 (note 186, p 138). 67.  http://100objects.ie/william-smith-o-brien- edited May 2020, viewed 28 July 2020. 132. Ibid p 120. (Letter 20, Launceston 5 Aug gold-cup/. 109. George Augustus Robinson, Wikipedia, last 1877 p120; notes 181 to 184 p 138).

48 Australiana NOVEMBER 2020