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Uncover a piece of history

Thank you for your support

We are thrilled to share the news that, thanks to your generous support, we have reached our fundraising target of $100,000 and secured the acquisition of WFE Liardet’s stunning 1862 watercolour, View of the north shore, Port Melbourne. Thank you – we could not have done it without you.

This beautiful and historic watercolour can now be conserved, protected and held in the State Collection for the enjoyment of the people of Victoria, in perpetuity.

View of the north shore has been digitised for you to view and download, and we look forward to inviting you to see it on display in the near future.

About WFE Liardet

London-born Wilbraham Frederick Evelyn Liardet arrived in Melbourne in 1839 and became a prominent founding figure in Port Melbourne. He established a string of businesses, including the Brighton Pier Hotel, and his name was given to a local street.

Liardet's charming watercolours and sketches present rare illustrations of everyday life in early Melbourne, from the first punt on the Yarra River to the Flagstaff Hill celebrations when Victoria separated from New South Wales.