Australian Art | Newcastle Obelisk | Art Print

This it the famous Newcastle Obelisk.

The Obelisk is one of our city's oldest navigational markers.

The first navigational marker on the site was built in 1820 and was known as the Government Flour Mill. During a strong wind it would grind 10 bushels of wheat per hour. This had been at the instigation of Colonel Morisett, who appealed to Governor Lachlan Macquarie to erect a windmill to grind flour for the settlement.

As it was situated upon a prominent knoll the windmill was visible for many miles along the coast, and was used as a guiding mark for the masters of sailing crafts approaching the port of Newcastle.

In 1847 the Government decided to demolish the mill and it was submitted to auction to be demolished. It was purchased by a Newcastle resident.

Obelisk hill is now a popular park and lookout with expansive views over the lower hunter plain.

The Obelisk has suffered damage at various times from lightning strikes and was seriously damaged during the 1989 earthquake. Disaster struck on June 8 1985 when the reservoir buried beneath the Obelisk exploded, causing its roof to collapse and injuring two young girls.

The explosion was heard across Newcastle and an inquiry was undertaken. The inquiry found that the explosion was caused as a result of gas leaking into the reservoir from a damaged gas main. The gas was ignited by sparks from fireworks that the victims were using. After the explosion the reservoir was filled in and a plaque was laid to mark the event.

I am going to do a series of location prints.

I am happy to do commissions please just let me know if you would like a location drawing like this for your own home.