Photograph, Group of women at a farmhouse near Bacchus Marsh 1883

Historical information

This image is one of several family group portraits taken by Stevenson and McNicoll on rural properties. This property has been identified as that of John Tilley at Parwan’s Creek. The people depicted are presumably members of the Tilley family. The dwelling has since been demolished. Tilleys Road in Maddingley is probably named for this family farm.

Physical description

Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll. The property has been identified as that of John Tilley at Parwan’s Creek. This property has since been demolished. Presumably, the photo is of members of the Tilley family. The image shows a family group of four women and one young child. It is unclear if the child is a boy or a girl, due to the custom of clothing young male children in dresses. The women are sitting or standing in two groups. To the right stands an older woman in a starched white apron, perhaps indicating that she is the housekeeper. The group on the left is of one woman standing and two women seated, one reading a newspaper or magazine. The young child reaches out one arm to her, perhaps for reassurance. The dwelling consists of two structures, one single storeyed cottage, which is perhaps the older part, and an adjoining weatherboard house with a steeply pitched roof and a prominent chimney at the front. The cottage has a shingled verandah partially covered by corrugated iron, which also covers the roof. Trees, a climbing vine and shrubs form a rather unkempt garden. On the hill rising behind the farmhouse there can be seen animals, possibly sheep, grazing.

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.

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