This catalogue was written by Joan Luxemburg for the Art Gallery of Ballarat Exhibition of James Meek works (13th June to 9th August 2015). It is not intended as a full biography of James Meek and concentrates on his decorative works. Joan Luxemburg has spent many years researching the life and works of James Meek and the exhibition and catalogue are part of a PhD project at Federation University. A biography of James Meek by Joan Luxemburg is due for publication in 2016. English-born James Meek, a fisherman, cannery operator, poet, writer, explorer in the Otway district, librarian, calligrapher and accountant, was one of the first settlers in Ballarat, building the first house and establishing a cordial and sly grog business. After some time in Melbourne he came to the Warrnambool area, becoming an early settler in the Peterborough area and establishing a cannery there. In Warrnambool he set up a commercial fishing company which failed, organized an Otways exploration trip looking for gold and established a reputation for producing fine calligraphy works. He was in New Zealand from 1874 to 1890 and died in Warrnambool in 1899. This catalogue is important because it records the decorative works of James Meek, an important early settler in Warrnambool and district. Meek was well-known in Warrnambool in the 1850s and 60s as a commercial fisherman, an Otways explorer, a writer and lecturer and a calligrapher. One of his daughters married Peter Dallimore, a fellmonger at Lake Gillear and the Dallimore family is also prominent in our history. The Art Gallery of Ballarat 2015 Exhibition of Meek works featured one of our Meek documents, a Fidler Family tree.This is a catalogue with a reinforced plastic-covered cover. It has 87 pages with illustrations and photographs. The sepia-coloured cover features a portion of a James Meek work of calligraphy.Front cover – ‘The Inimitable Mr Meek’ Back cover – Art Gallery, Ballarat james meek, the inimitable mr meek, james meek artist

James McKain MEEK (1815-1899) Born England Arrived Australia 1838 James Meek was an artist who built the first house at Ballarat. He wrote 'designed, composed and written with pen and ink by James Meek (founder of the City). When this work was completed the in 1893 the Ballarat Star described the work: - "An Industrial Inmate. At the conclusion of Monday's meeting of the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum Committee one of the inmates, named James McBain Meek, having been introduced, laid upon the table a magnificently executed work of art, bearing the following inscription: - The past and present of Ballarat, or 40 years' progress from an uninhabited wilderness, 1852 to 1892, during which time it has become the grandest inland city of the Southern World. It stands unrivaled by that of any city in her Britannic Majesty's extensive domain over which the sun never sets, and o'er which Albion's beloved sovereign sways her benign sceptre." The work conveys by words and pictorial representations a complete history of Ballarat from its inception up to the 17th March inst. The various pillars and scrolls by which the many incidents that are related are surrounded are marvelously executed, the plain and ornamental lettering is exquisite; while the language used in the narrative is of the most eloquent and refined description. Sketches of the Ballarat Hospital and Benevolent Asylum, equal to any photographic picture, are shown at either end of the word " Ballarat," which occupies the most central position of the chart. The work, which is worthy of a position in any public library or private residence, has been designed and composed by Mr. Meek, who is 78 years of age, at the Asylum. It is done entirely with pen and ink, and was commenced on the 22nd October, 1892, and completed on 17th March, 1893. (Ballarat Star, 27 March 1893)Although 'Past and Present Ballarat of Forty Years of Progress from an Uninhabited Wilderness' was printed it appears that few have survived the ravages of time. Another copy of this works survives in the collection of the Australiana Room at the Central Highlands Regional Library Corp. No others have been located to date. (2012)Large black and white poster (now brown with age) with the hand drawn work of James Meek reproduced by the Ballarat printers Rider & Mercer. Many, but one includes 'Most respectfully dedicated to the native born children of European parents in the Ballarat Mining District by the author.'ballarat, james meek, meek, ballarat benevolent asylum, nazareth house, ballarat mayors, james bury, james oddie, la poer trench, welfare

Mr Meek was the first person to build a house in Peterborough prior to 1858. Born in England in 1815 and came to Australia in 1838. this catalogue showcases his artistic skill. The art exhibition was curated by Joan Luxemburg as part of her PHD.Mr Meek is credited with building the first house in Peterborough. He was an artist and had a varied and interesting life and this book mentions the dates he was in Peterborough (Curdies Inlet, as it was then known) and his activities in Peterborough. 85 page soft cover catalogue of an exhibition held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in 2015mr james mckain archibald john meek, calligraphy, calligraphic works, graphic arts, joan luxemburg, peterborough, curdies inlet