After training as a Cartographic Draftsman within the mining industry, I worked as a property illustrator for real estate firms in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for 22 years from 1983. I initially photographed houses with a Polaroid camera and made a 'thumbnail' sketch while there. The photos were used to scale off a sketch in pencil and then that sketch was overlaid with drafting film and the 'pen and ink' completed. The pens I used were the Rotring ‘Rapidigraph’ drafting pens. The ink was also made by Rotring (German).The film was ‘Rapidraw’, polyester drafting film, double matte. It takes a very fine line and doesn’t bleed. As well as house sketches, there were often floor plans and site plans ordered. Aerial sketches were ordered when the property needed an overall view. (Margaret Picken, 2020)This drawing is one of a series created by Margaret Picken for a number of real estate agents in Melbourne between 1983 and 2005. Each work is signed and dated by the artist.Gift of Margaret Picken, 2020Pen and ink architectural drawing on drafting film of 14 Uvadale Grove, Kew by Margaret Picken.14 UVADALE GVE., KEW / MARGARET PICKEN '96 / WOODARDS ~ HAWTHORNartist -- margaret picken 1950-, architectural drawings -- houses -- kew (vic.), 14 uvadale grove -- kew (vic.)

The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.When 29 Uvadale Grove, Kew was offered for sale it was described as: ‘Kew. Fine locality, 3 minutes Cotham Road. Splendidly built 6 roomed Brick Villa. Rooms 17 x 14, 16 x 13, &c. Beautifully fitted throughout. Land 70 x 134 to ROW.’ The price was advertised as being £1,400. The house exhibits key features of Federation architecture such as the gabled roof with a facing of half-timber and stucco. The veranda has a curved corrugated iron roof supported by timber pillars and fretwork. The slate roof with terra cotta ridging and finials marks a transition to the more common use of Marseilles tiles in Federation architecture.subdivisions - kew (vic.), 29 uvadale grove - kew (vic.)