Located in the Royal Arcade at 496 George Street, Sydney, the Falk Studios was one of Australia’s premier photographic portrait studios. Founded in 1886 by H. Walter Barnett (1862-1934), patrons included leading stage personalities, artists and writers, as well as prominent statesmen and politicians. In 1895 he established a branch in Melbourne at 94 Elizabeth Street which was managed by his siblings Phoebe and Charles. Two years later he opened a studio in London, which he operated in his own name, his expanded client list including society figures and royalty. This location of the studio this photograph was taken in is unknown although the Melbourne studio is described as being 'soft carpeted'. Cr McGowan served as Mayor in 1885 - 86 and again in 1899 - 1900. Group studio portrait of nine Bendigo Council Councillors, the Town Clerk, John Quick and six women. Photograph is mounted on card with the gold edging. Name of photographic studio is printed on the reverse. From left to right seated; unknown (male), unknown (female), unknown (female), Mayoress McGowan, Cr McGowan (Mayor), Catherine Quick, unknown (female), unknown (female). Left to right standing; unknown (male), John Quick, Cr J.H. Abbott, unknown (male), Cr J.P. Carolin, unknown (male), unknown (male), Cr Marks, Town Clerk William Honeybone.Front; The 'Flak' Studios / 496 / George Street / Sydney Verso; Falk / 496 George St / Sydney / Photographer / By / Appointment / to His Excellency / the Governorcity of bendigo, mayoress mcgowan, cr mcgowan, cr j.h. abbott, cr j.p. carolin, john quick, cr marks, town clerk william honeybone.

The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown. Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescottmayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan