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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

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Miss Elizabeth Roberts

1830
Richard Read Jnr

watercolour on ivory (case: 8.1 cm x 7.0 cm depth 1.5 cm, oval: 5.2 cm x 4.5 cm)

Elizabeth Roberts (1812–1833) was the daughter of Warwickshire-born William Roberts and his wife, Jane, both of whom had come to New South Wales as convicts. After attaining his freedom, Roberts secured a number of lucrative contracts for the construction of roads and bridges. He was favoured by Governor Macquarie, who in 1810 re-affirmed a grant to Roberts of 200 acres of seafront land encompassing what is now the suburb of Bondi. This grant is thought to have been made to Roberts in payment for his role in the creation of the South Head Road. Between 1813 and 1818, he undertook roadbuilding projects in south-western Sydney while also being involved in farming and various other ventures. In Sydney in 1831, Elizabeth married John Farmer, a soldier in the 39th Regiment of Foot. With her infant son, she accompanied Farmer to India when his regiment was ordered there in 1833. After some time in Madras, the family embarked for Hobart aboard the Lady Munro, which was wrecked in October 1833 at Île Amsterdam in the southern Indian Ocean. Elizabeth, her husband and son were among the 76 people who perished.

Purchased 2013

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

Artist and subject

Richard Read Jnr (age 34 in 1830)

Elizabeth Roberts (age 18 in 1830)

Related portraits

1. John Connell, c. 1830. All Richard Read Jnr.
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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