James Blackburn's Architectural Works in Tasmania

An album of photographic reproductions of works by James Blackburn, compiled in 1970 by Hanley H. Preston and signed by him. The images depict plans, sketches, elevations and actual buildings erected. They include various churches, New Town Watch House, Government House, Public Schools, private homes, etc. James Blackburn (1803 - 1854) was an English civil engineer, surveyor and architect, best known for his work in Tasmania, where he had been transported as a sentence for forgery. According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Blackburn 'has claims to be considered one of the greatest engineers of his period in Australia, and his architectural achievements established him as Tasmania's most advanced and original architect.' He was key to the formation of the Department of Public Works in 1839, serving as one of its core members under Alexander Cheyne.