The Old Wind Mill in Mill Street Mortlake was constructed in 1856 by Thos. Bostock. It was erected to process locally-grown grain to supply the increased population of the Ararat goldfields with flour. It was painted in 1916 by W.Alen a local artist, who did not have first-hand knowledge of the old Mill, but would have relied on descriptions from those living in the district who did, as well as possibly recollections of windmills in Europe and Britain. The Mill has been a prominent landmark in Mortlake for over 150 years. It was converted to steam after it was sold in 1857 to Hamilton, Aikman and Geddes. Its use declined after the Ararat goldfields petered out, the diggers moved on and local soils proved unsuited to the sustained cultivation of wheat. The existing Mill Chimney is Heritage listed and is part of the National Estate.1 paintingSigned W.Alenmill windmill mortlake national estate hamilton bostock aikman geddes