Caroline Simpson Collection

Old Convict Barracks / Sydney Ure Smith

Smith, Sydney Ure, 1887-1949.

[1916]

1 print : monochrome etching ; 17 x 17.5 cm. (plate mark)

Titled 'Old Convict Barracks' below print image lower centre and signed lower right: Sydney Ure Smith. Editioned state: no 32 / 50 proofs.

Hyde Park Barracks (Sydney, N.S.W.)
Queens Square (Sydney, N.S.W.)
historic buildings
convict barracks

The description of this etching given in the 1920 'Catalogue of the etchings of Sydney Ure Smith' records that "this fine example of Greenway's architecture, built in 1817, when Macquarie was Governor" was etched in 1916, in an edition of 50 prints, issued in two states. The first state had a long foreground and numbered 14 prints. In the second state, of which this is an example, the plate was cut down and 36 prints were issued.
The Hyde Park Barracks building in Macquarie Street Sydney was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway to house male convicts and erected 1817-1819. From 1848 to 1886 it served as an Immigration Depot for single females and in 1887 the central dormitory buildings and other buildings in the compound were converted to courts and legal offices. A series of additional buildings were later erected in the courtyard. The Industrial Arbitration Court occupied part of the site from 1912-1927.

Published as plate 29 in A catalogue of the etchings of Sydney Ure Smith ... introduction by Bertram Stevens Sydney, 1920; Published on p.9 in The etchings of Sydney Ure Smith ... introduction by Bertram Stevens Sydney, Art in Australia [1948]; Published as plate 1 in The etchings of Sydney Ure Smith: introduction by Hal Missingham ; with an article on etching processes by Sir Lionel Lindsay Ure Smith Miniature Series, 6 (1950): "Plate 1. Old Convict Barracks, etched 1916. Designed by the convict architect, Francis Greenway, for Governor Macquarie this is one of the most beautifully proportioned buildings in Sydney. It was built as a convict depot, all convicts upon arrival being sent there to be assigned to the free inhabitants as servants." Published on p.5 in Sydney Ure Smith memorial exhibition Sydney, Mitchell Library [1950]

Hyde Park Barracks ; HPB97/10

Picture

31679