Historical information
This property was located near Bacchus Marsh not far from the Racecourse. The photo shows members of the Dickson family. The oldest man on the left is possibly George Dickson who died in 1885 aged 92. The man second from the right is possibly the younger George Dickson who died aged 77 in 1900. One of the men holds a sledgehammer over his right shoulder, possibly indicating work related to the bank of clay behind the group. This photograph was intentionally taken from an angle which included the clay, which may indicate this resource was of some importance to the family. Kaolin clay was found in the area and was used in the manufacture of high quality porcelain .
Physical description
Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. In the foreground of the image are members of the Dickson family standing on a hillside with a bank of white clay behind them. One of the men holds a sledgehammer over his right shoulder. In the background are yards, farm sheds, which are possibly milking sheds. Behind the sheds is the family home. In the background can be seen an image of a wagon which is probably a wagon belonging to Stephenson and McNicoll. A similar wagon can be seen in the photo of an unknown dairy farm in the Bacchus Marsh district. This wagon would have been used to transport the photographic team and their equipment to outlying areas.
Inscriptions & markings
On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME.
On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun.
Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE.
