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 a range of real estate agents in Melbourne between c.1983 and c.2005. Each work is signed and dated by the artist.Gift of Margaret Picken, 2020Victorian villa of Hawthorn brick. Built in 1890 and with Grade B heritage listing by the City of Boroondara. Rear additions and alterations in 1999. Replacement verandah roof and floor in 2020. Stone fence has been replaced with a palisade fence. The pen and ink architectural drawing on drafting film of 72 Charles Street, Kew was made by Margaret Picken in 1997.72 CHARLES ST., KEW / MARGARET PICKEN ~97 / WOODARDS ~ HAWTHORNartist -- margaret picken 1950-, architectural drawings -- houses -- kew (vic.), 72 charles street -- kew (vic.)

The Kew City Hall, designed by the architect Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett, was opened by The Premier The Hon HE Bolte on 23rd April 1960. At the time of the opening, Cr Ferguson was Mayor of Kew. Monochrome photograph of the annual Anzac Day service on the front lawn of the newly opened Kew City Hall in 1960. The Town Hall faced Cotham Road in front of which are standing returned soldiers. Invited seated and standing guests have their backs to Charles Street and the lawns of South Esk. The speaker would appear to be the Deputy Premier, and local Member for Kew Arthur Rylah MP. Behind the Official Party [but unseen] are the two Memorial plaques by George Henry Allen (1900–72). In the distance are the Kew Presbyterian Church and the Sacred Heart Church. Cr Ferguson / Anzac Day Service 1960kew city hall, city halls -- victoria, cr hugh ferguson, kew town hall, kew (vic.) -- civic buildings, anzac day services -- kew (vic.)