Historical information
The former Christopher Crisp residence was constructed in 1868 by William Watson, one of the members of the Bacchus Marsh Express printing company which took over the management of The Express after the first edition, 7 July 1866, was published by its founder, George Lane, a book binder. This syndicate failed after three months and the ownership was then taken over by Christopher Crisp, a compositor working for the company. Crisp remained the editor from 1866 to his death in 1915, when he was succeeded by his son, also called Christopher Crisp, and later by his grandson. Under the Crisp family leadership, The Express widened its readership and was subscribed to by influential men and public servants in Melbourne. (Heritage Victoria Council. Places. Entry no. 45.)
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'. The photograph is of a single-storey cottage of rendered brick and sandstone with a shingled roof of slate tiles and ornate concave verandah. A chimney stands at either end of the house. A carved barge board decorates the northern end of the hip roof. A skillion with windows and a chimney adjoins the rear of the cottage. The front facade is symmetrical with two sash windows placed either side of the central door. A wire fence runs along the front of the cottage. Standing at the gate is a formally dressed gentleman wearing a top hat. A young child is standing on the road.
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.
Subjects
References
- Reproduced in Bacchus Marsh: A Pictorial Chronicle, by Jean Oomes and Gwyn Moore, BMDHS Publication, 1986, page 46
- Stevenson and McNicoll, photographers, visit Bacchus Marsh
- Stevenson and McNicoll, photographers, have left for Myrniong and Ballan
- Heritage Council of Victoria.