Oliver, Richard Aldworth, 1811-1889 :[View of Hardwicke, Erebus Cove] Port Ross, Auckland Islands. Dec 1st [18]50

Shows a rare early view of the ill-fated whaling station known as Hardwicke, in Port Ross on Auckland Island. The settlement is quite in the distance, but its buildings can be made out, as can three ships in the harbour. The hills and coastline are most predominant in the painting, as are the black and white sea birds in the foreground, which are either flying low over the water or drying their wings on the rocks

Accompanied by a photocopy from the back of the painting of a signed certification by the artist's great-granddaughter, Madeleine McClintock (nee Oliver); dated 24 August 1983 (B-195-003-1)

Other Titles - Ships anchored off the settlement at Port Ross, Auckland Islands [former title]

Inscriptions: Verso - centre right - Port Ross Auckland Islands Dec 1st / 5[0] [in ink]

Governor Grey visited the settlement aboard the HMS Fly, of which Oliver was the Commander, from 28 November to 5 December 1850. The colony experienced numerous difficulties and was abandoned in August 1852. It was officially named 'Hardwicke' in January 1850, after the Earl of Hardwicke, the governor of the Southern Whale Fishery Company

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Watercolour on paper, 275 x 375 mm

Provenance: Prior to vendor's ownership, in a private collection belonging to the artist's family. One of a number of paintings by R.A. Oliver, belonging to Mrs M McClintock (née Oliver), that were auctioned at McArthur and Co, Auckland, in October 1983.