Memory, Fire and Forgery

One of the State Library’s newest treasures is a panorama of Port Adelaide and the Port River, painted in 1855 by visiting businessman and artist Frank (Francis) George Hankey. The panorama, which measures nearly two metres wide, captures a busy scene of ships, wharves, and the buildings of early Port Adelaide – most of which were destroyed in a catastrophic fire only two years later. 

But can we trust what Hankey shows us? Part of the panorama is labelled ‘from memory’, and the artist was later convicted of fraud and forgery. In this talk, we’ll explore the people and places of early Port Adelaide and show why Hankey’s painting is thought to be a remarkably accurate view of the Port as it was in 1855. 

Image: Panorama of the Port River and North Parade, Port Adelaide, 1855. SLSA B 78677/3