May (P.) Loch and Key 1888 {1903} NGV [DR]

May, Phil (1864-1903; English)
“Loch and Key” 1888
Pen & ink on paper, 15.2 x 11.8 cm irreg. (image), 21.0 x 13.4 cm (sheet)
Purchased, 1903 (advice of Bernard Hall)
National Gallery of Victoria (130-2)

NGV 1905 describes this drawing, published in The Bulletin, 18 August 1888, as a “portrait of Lord Loch at the time of the opening of the Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888.”

The large ceremonial gold key with which Loch (governor of Victoria 1884-89) formally opened the grand exhibition on August 1, 1888 is preserved in the Royal Exhibition Building collection.

For a more conventional portrayal of Loch, see Dowling Sir Henry Brougham Loch 1886 {1890} SLV [PA].

The previous issue of The Bulletin (11 August 1888), also included a double-page spread of drawings by May, “Sketches at the Opening of the Melbourne Exhibition” (pp.10-11).

Refs.

AR 1903, p.24; NGV 1905, p.63 (II.Stawell Gallery, no.92; ill.; as bought on Hall’s advice) [£6/6]

For the ceremonial key, purchased in 1976, see https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1227498 (with reproduction and further details). May’s sketch appears on p.9 of the 18 August issue of The Bulletin