Portrait of Henry Parkes (Sydney, 1839), published as a carte de visite in Sydney, late 1870s; plus Parkes family portraits and a view of his birthplace.

I. Albumen print photograph of a portrait painting, carte de visite format, 105 x 63 mm (mount); verso imprinted ‘From the Studio of J. T. Gorus, Photographic Artist, 101 King Street, Sydney, New South Wales’; some light surface rubbing, otherwise in very good condition.

This portrait of Parkes, “Father of Federation”, was painted in Sydney soon after his arrival in the Strathfieldsaye on 25 July 1839, when Parkes was 24. John Gorus produced this carte de visite some 40 years later. Trove locates only one example of it (Stanton Library, North Sydney – incorrectly dated 1853).

II. Four albumen print photographs in carte de visite format believed to be portraits of members of the Parkes family, taken between the late 1860s and around 1880 in studios in Birmingham (3) and Coventry (1); one print with damage to the edges.

III. Albumen print photograph showing what is believed to be part of Stoneleigh Estate on the Coventry Canal, Warwickshire, birthplace of Sir Henry Parkes.1860s; photographer unidentified; pale foxing.

Provenance: Parkes family, Warwickshire, by descent; UK trade.