Archer Family watercolours

Charles Archer executed this watercolour at Durandur (or Durundur) in July 1843, beginning on the day after his arrival. In a letter to his sister Kate in Norway, dated Durundur, 31 July 1843, Charles Archer writes: "Having arrived at Durundur yesterday, and knowing you are all anxious to know what sort of place it is, I have occupied myself all the morning in attempting to sketch it, and the enclosure.. will, I dare say, give you a better idea then my description of it. The figures in the foreground are intended for a group of aborigines." As only one Aboriginal person is depicted in the watercolour as it is extant today, it is evident that the foreground was at some stage trimmed away (cf. OM80-10).
The watercolour depicts the store and dwelling huts at Durundur with the two Archer brothers John and David and an Aboriginal working in the foreground. The watercolour is titled "Durandur" on a contemporary paper label. The homestead however was generally referred to as "Durundur" by the Archer brothers. The watercolour is framed with a typed caption.

Charles Archer executed this watercolour at the Archers' homestead of Woroongundi. It is either a self-portrait or depicts one his brothers, possibly Thomas Archer, seated at the writing table in front of the homestead's fireplace. There is a simple bed at the back wall of the room. A shotgun and two pistols are hanging on the walls.

The Archer brothers had been the first white settlers on the Fitzroy River, having taken up Gracemere run in 1853. Colin Archer, a shipbuilder by trade, had taken the Ellida up the Fitzroy River from Maryborough. This watercolour painting depicts the Ellida, a twelve ton ketch, on the Fitzroy River.

Artwork attributed to Charles Archer (1813-1862).

Charles Archer executed this watercolour at Durandur (or Durundur) in July 1843, beginning on the day after his arrival. In a letter to his sister Kate in Norway, dated Durundur, 31 July 1843, Charles Archer writes: "Having arrived at Durundur yesterday, and knowing you are all anxious to know what sort of place it is, I have occupied myself all the morning in attempting to sketch it, and the enclosure.. will, I dare say, give you a better idea then my description of it. The figures in the foreground are intended for a group of aborigines." As there are no Aboriginal people depicted in the watercolour as it is extant today, it is evident that the foreground was at some stage trimmed away (cf. OM80-10).
The watercolour depicts the store and dwelling huts at Durundur with the two Archer brothers John and David and an Aboriginal working in the foreground. The homestead was generally referred to as "Durundur" by the Archer brothers.