Full title: Macquarie Collector's Chest, ca. 1818

Author/creator: Lycett, Joseph, ca. 1775-1828, Wallis, James, 1785?-1858, Westall, William, 1781-1850.

Date: ca. 1818.

Call Numbers: XR 69, MLMSS 8628

Record Identifier: 16AJ2jon

Language:

Formats: Pictures, Manuscripts, Objects

Contents: Objects - 56 x 71.3 x 46.5 cm. (closed) - 1 wooden chest made from red cedar and rose mahogany or Australian rosewood, with original Regency-style legs., 0.02 metres of textual material (1 folder)

Publishers:

Notes: In terms of the artist responsible for the panels in both chests - their style is sufficiently similar to indicate the same hand, or possibly hands - there is a strong Lycett/Wallis connection. The relationship between Lycett and Wallis, and both men with Macquarie, is well documented. Joseph Lycett (c.1775-1828) was convicted of forgery in 1811. He was described as a portrait and miniature painter from Staffordshire. He embarked for Sydney on the convict ship General Hewitt. On arrival in Sydney in February 1814, Lycett was granted a ticket-of-leave. However he was convicted of forging bank notes in May 1815 and sent to Newcastle to work in the coal mines. After Wallis took command of the Newcastle settlement, Lycett enjoyed less onerous duties, and according to evidence of the Bigge Report in 1820, assisted with the designs for the new Christ Church building (which appears in some of the collectors chest paintings). There has been discussion about the artist responsible for the original drawings for the engravings in Wallis's 'An Historical Account of the colony of New South Wales', published in London soon after Wallis' return from New South Wales and which have such a close relationship to the painted panels in the two chests. Wallis' name is given as the artist on the engravings, but a number resemble Lycett's style and technique. Both Wallis and Lycett received official recognition from Macquarie, according to their stations. Lycett left Sydney for return to England in September 1822 with a free pardon granted by Macquarie in November 1821. Reference: 'Rare and Curious - The Dixson Galleries and Strathallan Collector's Chests' / by Elizabeth Imashev, in the Australian Antique Collector, 41st edition, January - June 1991. See also PXn 673 Mitchell Library Reference: The Strathallan Cabinet catalogue / prepared by Anne McCormick for Ruth Simon. Sydney : Hordern House, 1991. Digital order no:Album ID : 823397

Permalink: https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/16AJ2jon

MMS ID: 110326952