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Laperouse entering Botany Bay Australia

I am marking out 3 paintings this morning, “Mermaids Pool Kynance Cove“, “Antibes Bay” and “Laperouse entering Botany Bay  Australia“.
The Latter scene shows the ships of Laperouse based on the only drawings my extensive research has revealed  made by eye witnesses in his crew, of the 2 ships.
Laperouse was the French answer to Captain James Cook.
Laperouse visit to Botany bay was remarkable and his last contact with Europeans. Laperouse_Sketch_IMG_0855_d.JPG
This picture design will be completed on the canvas.
The view of the approaches to Botany bay was kindly supplied by the UK Hydrographic Office.
Thus my drawing is based on drawings made by sea officers who recorded this actual view at or near the time in question.
I was also able to refere to the original chart made on Captain Cook’s voyage, the same chart copies of which brought the First Fleet and Laperouse to Botany bay.
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There is quite a lot of current interest in his voyage so the painting is topical and of International interest.
Laperouse was born in Albi, a beautiful town with UNESCO World Heritage status and 1/2 an hour from my studio here.
Albi has a small interesting Laperouse museum and a very active Laperouse Society.
In recent years they have sent exhibitions world wide, organized films and also dives on the wrecks of the 2 ships.
Poor Laperouse and his men never did get back to France but a lot of his scientific information did thanks in part to his last meeting with Europeans, the British at Botany bay Australia.
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By a huge and fascinating co incidence Laperouse arrived the same day the British “First Fleet” were moving out to sail for Port Jackson.
Governor Phillips decided the “First Fleet” should move from Botany Bay.
Despite the enchanting name Botany bay it was not in a good place to start a new colony so Phillips sent boats to find a better spot.
Having discovered Sydney Cove at Port Jackson the fleet moved, Supply sailing the day before, the rest following the next day when the weather had moderated lead by HMS Sirius.
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After which getting the remaining new unpublished  paintings sorted for the web site should happen quite quickly as part of the catalogue process which I must have completed or near so by this time next week.
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Beautiful day here, finished my morning walk by 08.00, breakfast and shower after the painting is marked out.