Cartographers, surveyors and their arts
Many of our early surveyors and cartographers were artists and poets. In England during the 1800s, children of the upper and middle classes were often taught drawing, art and the use of light and shade.
The surveyor in the field would often draw or sketch what he saw before him, using the same pencil and field book that he was using for his survey.
Sydney Mail 1883, "Fragments from a surveyor's handbook"
A cartographer in the office would use his artistic ability to produce the sales lithographs. These were used to entice intending selectors to settle on the crown lands of the colony.
Some would often cartoon their work colleagues, while others would prepare the Surveyor General's Christmas cards.
W.F. Kearton's sketch of Photographic Branch staff 1939-40
"Everything was urgent by the time it reached Photo Branch!"
Last updated: 29 September 2009