Improvident diggers in Melbourne, 1869, watercolour, State Library Victoria

The improvident diggers have already spent some of their newly acquired wealth on flashy clothes, gold rings and watches hung from prominent gold chains. Now they are studying the display of expensive items in the window of 'Crib the jeweller'. Other distractions that could catch their gaze are the placard for the Queen's Theatre and a sign advertising wine and spirits. This watercolour by ST Gill was published in The Victorian Gold Fields during 1852–3, the fabulous album commissioned by the trustees of the Melbourne Public Library, as the State Library Victoria was formerly known.