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 23 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 real estate agents in Melbourne between 1983 and 2006. Each work is signed and dated by the artist.Gift of Margaret Picken, 2020Pen and ink drawing on drafting film of 57 Harp Road, Kew by Margaret Picken.57 HARP RD., KEW. E / MARGARET PICKEN 2002 / FLETCHERS REAL ESTATEartist -- margaret picken 1950-, property illustrations — buildings — kew (vic.), 57 harp road -- kew (vic)

The section of Normanby Road, Kew from Cotham Road to Parkhill Road was officially gazetted in 1865. The part of Normanby Road between Parkhill Road and Harp Road was gazetted ten years later in 1875. Parkhill (sometimes Park Hill) Road East and Parkhill Road West were both gazetted in 1865.Original, black and white positive print of a photograph taken from a house in Normanby Road across the road to another house on the corner of Normanby and Parkhill Roads. The hills of Kew can be seen in the background. The main house in the photo is 57 Normanby Road.Inscribed verso: "Normanby Rds and Parkhill Rds corner " normanby road -- kew (vic.), parkhill road -- kew (vic.), 57 normanby road -- kew (vic.)