Historical information

While a later inscription suggests that the photo dates from 1908, by that stage, according to the Sands & McDougall Directories, the forge on the corner of Cotham and Mont Victor Roads had been taken over by H. Wright. F.G.A. Barnard in his Jubilee History of Kew (1910) records that the well known Sandhill Nursery, had been established by William Holt early in the 1850s. Presumably this was an earlier business as by 1888 it is recorded that the business had become a forge. The forge stood on what is now part of the grounds of Genazzano Convent.

Significance

A rare photograph of a pioneering industrial business in Kew on the site now occupied by Genazzano Convent.

Physical description

The photo shows W. Holt, Wheelwright, Veterinary and General - Blacksmith, Cotham Road, Kew.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscription front: "Uncle Will Holt, Cotham Road, Kew, opp Normanby Av [sic] 1908 [sic]"; Reverse: "KHS February 1990. Gift of Mr Panther - Manager Westpac Bank, Kew. Given to Kew Historical Soc."