Kerosene shale bust by amateur sculptor John Baird

A carved kerosene shale portrait bust by John Baird, Sydney, circa 1885, reputedly an image of John Baird's Son, Lignite, 48 cm high. Provenance: J.B. Hawkins Antiques. Other Notes: John Baird (1834-1894) was an amateur sculptor who was a postman in Sydney. He worked in kerosene shale, an unusual material for sculpture, which was mined on the north Shore and at Hartley and although he did not exhibit his work during his lifetime it was the subject of an article in the 'Illustrated Sydney News' in 1886 titled carvings in Shale - a Sydney Postman's Discovery. He specialised in animals, medallions of notable people, and members of his family. The bust of Jane, his wife, is in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.