John Paine

(England, Australia 1834–1915)

Title

Lighthouse, Baranjoey [sic.]

Year

1881-1882

Media category

Photograph

Materials used

albumen photograph

Dimensions

28.8 x 24.7cm image/sheet; 31.8 x 27.5cm card

Signature & date

Signed l.l. original mount, pencil "J.P.". Not dated.

Credit

Purchased 1989

Accession number

216.1989

Location

Not on display

Further information

The lighthouse at Barrenjoey, north of Sydney near Palm Beach, was completed in 1881. This photograph was probably taken not long after its opening, as it shows the stonemasons and other workmen who constructed the tower and possibly the first keeper James Steere, standing near the lantern, looking out to sea through a telescope. Paine’s black-and-white photograph manages to capture the fine quality of Hawkesbury sandstone out of which the lighthouse was made and which was frequently remarked upon in the press at the time. Although lighthouses – remote and elegant human edifices battling the forces of nature – have traditionally appealed to artists, this particular photograph seems to have a more prosaic aim. It is a record of growth and progress; of a sure control extended over the landscape by Australia’s new inhabitants.

Bibliography (2)

Josef Lebovic Gallery and Helen Ennis, Masterpieces of Australian Photography 1989, Sydney, 1989, 110, 111 (illus.). catalogue no: 193

Steven Miller, Photography: Art Gallery of New South Wales Collection, 'In every house, and in every tent', pg.33-51, Sydney, 2007, 44 (illus.).

Exhibition history (1)

Masterpieces of Australian Photography, Josef Lebovic Gallery, Kensington, 24 Jun 1989–22 Jul 1989