NewsFeatured

Joseph Lycett, forger and painter

Convict Joseph Lycett was one of Australia’s earliest landscape artists. He also used his extraordinary talents to produce counterfeit notes and he led an extraordinary life. Come along to the next Hawkesbury Family History meeting on Wednesday, 13 July at 10am for a presentation by Michelle Nichols, Local History Librarian as she brings his story to life.

Joseph Lycett was convicted in 1810 for forgery and was sentenced to fourteen years transportation.

Coincidently he arrived in Sydney in 1813 on the same ship as Francis Greenway the architect, who was also convicted of forgery. Lycett’s talent came to the attention of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and he was engaged to paint various views of the colony.

A selection of his engraved Australian landscapes were published in the mid 1820s. After a being granted an absolute pardon, Lycett returned to England, dying there in 1828.

Some of Lycett’s views are currently on display in Hawkesbury Central Library at Windsor.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford encourages people to come along to enjoy this free event.

“Anyone interested in local and family history is welcome to attend this Hawkesbury Library event, with refreshments provided.”

Hawkesbury Library is at the Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street, Windsor. There is no need to book. Refreshments are served after the meeting.

Related Articles

Back to top button