J. J. HILDER

Private collection, Sydney

A Very Private Collection, S. H. Ervin Gallery, The National Trust Centre, Sydney, 15 June - 15 July 1990, cat. 27 

Brett Hilder, Heritage of J.J. Hilder, Sydney, Ure Smith, 1966, cat. 252

Gold painted timber frame, grey and white cardboard mount. Slight 'wave' to the paper would indicate it not to be laid down, although it has not been taken out of the frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Great North Road (surveyed 1825, completed 1836) was constructed using convict labour. Up to 720 convicts - some in chains - worked on the road, which spanned 264 kms from Sydney to the settlements in the Hunter Valley. It features spectacular examples of stonework, including buttresses, culverts, bridges and twelve metre high retaining walls.
Unfortunately the road was never widely used and it was all but abandoned by the time it was completed. This painting could well be A Northern Road, September 1911.¹

We are most grateful to Col Fullagar for assistance in cataloguing this work.

1. Ure Smith, S., & Stevens, B., Art of JJ Hilder, Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1918