A Box for Mr McKay - 2005

banksia, huon pine, plywood, brass fitting

308w x 205d x 120h

Alexander McKay, was born in Scotland in 1802. In 1822 he was arrested and charged with the theft of a gold watch in. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to transportation for life.

In 1826 he was assigned to the VDL Co and soon proved himself to be a capable member of their surveying expeditions. and was subsequently granted his ticket of leave in March 1829.

In January 1830, McKay joined George Augustus Robinson’s “friendly mission”, travelling west around the coast of Tasmania by land and sea arriving in Launceston 9 months later. In recognition of his service, he was awarded a free pardon.

I have made this box for Mr McKay to keep the stories of his journeys. Engraved around the box are the original names of places he would have travelled to during 1830-31 with his aboriginal guides.

After reading of an incident, where in later years his great granddaughter was told not to mention George Robinson’s name as “he stole Grandfather’s manuscripts”. I have included a secret drawer in the box, and have often wondered where those manuscripts might be now.