The Tank Stream was the original water supply for the first Sydney settlement. Tanks were carved into the sandstone to capture as much water as possible hence the name. It ran downhill from King Street into Sydney Cove, being fed from springs in the Domain. With the developement of Sydney, by the 1820's its use as a source of potable water ceased. The view is taken from about King Street looking north to the harbour with the arched bridge, (hence the name Bridge Street) across the stream in the distance. It still exists as a covered bricked drain.
The artist, John Skinner Prout (1805-1876) arrived in Sydney in 1844 after emigrating from Britain in 1840 with his family. He was an established professional artist with his own lithographic press. Mainly a water-colourist and lithographer, he is regarded as one of the finest colonial artists of the period.
1874.
Steel engraving.
Later hand-colouring.
115 x 175 mm. Image size.
Good condition.
1874.
Steel engraving.
Later hand-colouring.
127 x 190 mm. Image size.
Good condition.