1863 McKinlay Expedition Lithograph “Sketch on the Gilbert” – W. Wyatt Jun –... For Sale

1863 McKinlay Expedition Lithograph – “Sketch on the Gilbert”

Framed Original Colonial Print – W. Wyatt Jun. del. – Vincent Brooks lith.

This is a genuine and rare original lithograph from the important 1863 first edition of Tracks of McKinlay and Party across Australia (London: Sampson Low, Son & Co.).

Historical Significance

Drawn by South Australian artist W. Wyatt Jun. and lithographed in London by the renowned firm Vincent Brooks, this plate is one of only 14 views that illustrated John McKinlay’s 1861–1862 Burke Relief Expedition. McKinlay was sent from Adelaide to search for the missing Burke & Wills party. After locating Burke’s grave, his expedition successfully crossed the continent — one of the earliest south-to-north crossings without loss of life.

“Sketch on the Gilbert” depicts an expedition camp beside the Gilbert River (Queensland), with tents, trees, and dramatic cliffs — a picturesque and historically important scene from one of Australia’s great exploration stories.

Details

Original 1863 lithograph (not a later reproduction)

Artist: W. Wyatt Jun. (delineavit)

Lithographer: Vincent Brooks lith.

Title: Sketch on the Gilbert

Published in the rare 1863 book documenting McKinlay’s expedition

Framing & Presentation

Professionally framed and ready to hang.

Attractive wood frame with green mount/mat. The piece has excellent decorative appeal for colonial, exploration, or Australiana interiors.

Provenance & Labels

Victor Harbor Gallery / Ronald Adamo Studio & Gallery (Burke Street, Victor Harbor) label

Old dealer label: “ENGRAVED W. Wyatt… LITHOGRAPH… No L326”

“Genuine antique print guaranteed at least 100 years old” sticker

(Note: One old label incorrectly states “c 1848”. This is confirmed as a plate from the 1863 McKinlay book.)

Condition

Good antique condition. Clean image with no major tears, significant foxing, or damage visible. Minor age-related toning consistent with 163-year-old paper. Framing appears sound. Please view all photos carefully.

Why This Piece Stands Out

Rare individual plate from a scarce exploration book (most surviving examples are still bound in complete volumes)

Strong South Australian connection (McKinlay expedition + local artist + Victor Harbor provenance)

Attractive, display-ready subject with real historical story

Nicely framed and ready to enjoy or gift

Please Note

This is a genuine 163-year-old original lithograph with historical importance. Priced to reflect its rarity, condition, framing, and story. Serious inquiries and best offers welcome.

Happy to answer any questions or provide additional photos. Thank you for looking!