Attrib. MARTENS, Conrad (1801-1878) View of the Burwood Estate, later Merewether, NSW. Previously known as 'South Coast Landscape'. Signed 'C Martens' lower centre. Signature likely added/re-established following restoration, relining and trimming (approx. 6 inches from right hand side) completed in 1944. Oil on Canvas (relined) 33.5x51cm (sight)
PROVENANCE: Edward Christopher Merewether (?-1892), husband to James Mitchell's daughter Augusta Maria Mitchell; Mrs Augusta Maria Merewether (née Mitchell) from 1892-1922; Percival Stuart Garling from 1923 until 1947 (purchased at 'Castlefields' house auction conducted by Messrs. Norton and Huband Smith, sale of Mrs Merewether's effects January 1923); Mrs Heather B Egerton Smith (née Garling); thence by descent - estate late Margot D Staples, Sydney.
OTHER NOTES: Dr James Mitchell (1792-1869) bought land south of Newcastle upon which he built a copper smelting works in 1846 at what is now Murdering Gully, Merewether, just above the present Burwood Beach. He accumulated assets including coke ovens, coal mines, brickworks and 13 kilometres of railways. This scene likely depicts the tramway which preceded the Newcastle Coal and Copper Railway. Conrad Martens is known to have travelled through the region in (at least) the years 1841 and 1852. Estimate $10,000-20,000