Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Gregory Blaxland

Gregory Blaxland

1807–20
ML 143
Pencil drawing

Following the advice of family friend Sir Joseph Banks, English farmer and explorer Gregory Blaxland (1778 – 1853) and his brother John Blaxland (1769-1845) emigrated to Australia with their families in 1806. As one of the first wealthy and educated family's to settle in New South Wales, the government promised them a generous grant of land, convict slaves and free passage.

Soon after their arrival in the colony, Gregory became notorious for his demanding nature and sense of entitlement. His commercial interests and frequent requests for more land brought him into opposition with authority, particularly with Governor William Bligh, who openly criticised his business activities and demands upon government assistance.

During his time in Australia, Gregory Blaxland was considered an ambitious, self-interested man, with a streak of discontent. Towards the end of his life, he suffered a series of losses, both personal and economic, and fell into depression. He committed suicide on January 1st 1853.

A question of origin

The handwritten note below the portrait reads:

"Gregory Blaxland Esq. formerly of Brush Farm / Parramatta River, discoverer of the Blue Mountain Pass, / youngest brother of John Blaxland Esq. formerly of Newington / Kent England, late of Newington, Parramatta River”

It is likely that this sketch was created when Blaxland was at the peak of his influence. The sketch itself is undated, as is the note at the bottom. If the note was written at the same time as the sketch was done, it must date from after 1831, when Blaxland left his much loved property, Brush Farm. It is possible that the text was added later, however, as Blaxland was in his early fifties by this time, and the image is arguably that of a younger man.