Lapérouse and the First Fleet at Botany Bay

Lapérouse, the First Fleet and Botany Bay, ships on an ill fated voyage of science and discovery.

"Lapérouse and the First Fleet at Botany Bay", 91 x 61 cm (36" x 24"),


Laperouse was the French answer to the discoveries of Captain Jame Cook, our scene is #Botany-Bay, #Australia, #The-First-Fleet.

Make me an offer I can’t refuse and I’ll not refuse your offer.

This is the only painting to show these two ships Astrolabe and Boussole reasonably accurately,  due to my extensive research and knowledge of marine history, as explained on the ‘further reading’ page.

All the other interpretations I have seen of Astrolabe and Boussole including in the Albi and Paris museums are simply wrong.

A valuable classic painting, purchase > with your credit card Purchase Now  < via Paypal, in any currency, or £/, or bank to bank; or in instalments by arrangement, contact Gordon Frickers.

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Lapérouse and Australia :

By an extraordinary coincidence the two French ships commanded by Lapérouse, engaged upon scientific discoveries, entered Botany Bay, Australia, the very same day as the First Fleet was evacuating Botany Bay in favour of Port Jackson and Sydney Cove.

The French stay lasted 3 months, enjoying amicable relationships with the tender new British colony.

Fully refitted the French expedition sailed, never to be seen again by Europeans.

Lapérouse ships Astrolabe and Boussole; at the time of writing this painting, meticulously researched, is the only authentic representation of these ships.

Painting :

I’m quietly confident no other painting  portrays these two ships as accurately or better shows the approach to Botany Bay.

The painting is an historic document to entertain us, to guide and inspire future generations.

Our setting is the approach to Botany Bay, South Australia as recorded in the priceless archives of Her Majesties United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.

You can acquire “Lapérouse and the First Fleet” or commission a painting of this quality.

Laperouse and the First Fleet (detail)
Laperouse and the First Fleet (detail)

Lapérouse :

painting is in itself a  ‘voyage of discovery’ that starts in Albi, France, the beautiful hometown of this renowned French navigator.

For our two French ships, I made as meticulous and detailed study as possible, including of the few surviving drawings made of Astrolabe and Boussole during the voyage of Lapérouse and of similar French ships of the period, their plans, pictures and models.

A tribute to the gallant Jean François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, of Albi, Tarn Province, and his men.

The First Fleet :

were easier to research, being well documented.

The background was researched at and thanks to the staff in particular Mr. Guy Hannaford, at Her Majesty’s United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, Taunton.

You can discover how this painting was researched and produced via my hyperlinked text,  ‘Further Reading.

I trust you agree it is fair to say this marine painting is both unusual and an historical document, a  timeless investment for us and it’s to be hoped, future generations to be entertained, inspired and enjoy.

A timeless painting, a solid investment, Purchase Now  with Paypal or bank to bank and by arrangement, in instalments.

Further reading, Laperouse & Botany Bay.

At UKHO with Guy Hannaford, looking at the Serres watercolours.
At UK Hydrographic Office with Guy Hannaford showing me “The Coffin” with it’s amazing watercolours by Serres, real treasure at UKHO !

To Main Text, Further Reading

I was greatly assisted by staff of the Musée Lapérouse and members of the Association Lapérouse, Albi, France & Mr. Stephen Best.
Do try and visit the splendid Musée Lapérouse at Albi,  the hometown of this gallant commander.
The museum has similar dimensions to  the ship of Lapérouse.
To all who had the imagination and faith to assist my work, who gave so generously of their time, my sincere thanks.

You could acquire “Lapérouse and the First Fleet” or commission a painting like this.

You can purchase via our ‘Payments page using Paypal or bank to bank

Contact Gordon Frickers

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Gordon Frickers ©  updated 12.07.2021

[This Gordon Frickers, art signature is on all my more recent paintings]