A Cabinet for Mr Calder - 2004

myrtle, veneer and solid, eucalypt, laminate, brass

765w 400d 815h

James Erskine Calder joined the Survey Department in Van Dieman’s Land in 1829 as an assistant surveyor.

In 1840-2, he marked and cut a track for Sir John and Lady Franklin and party to travel overland from Marlborough to Macquarie Harbour. Despite his meticulous planning, the journey was prolonged due to bad weather. Without his tireless efforts carrying extra supplies for the vice regal party who were unable to proceed due to the gales and incessant rain, it is doubtful that Franklins would have made their destination.

He was a prolific writer on many subjects, but his account of his trip with the Franklins was published several times during his lifetime.

I imagined him recounting the tale many times to friends and acquaintances, so I made this cabinet for him to store the story of the trip and the places he named.

An immensely practical, and hard working man, I always imagined he would travel light so this piece is not designed for travelling but to sit in his home, a reminder of his life in the field.