George Raper on Norfolk Island 1790-91
Mint Unhinged Set of 2 Stamps.
Overview
Norfolk Island lies around 1,600 kilometres north-east of Sydney, in the South Pacific Ocean. Located on a submarine ridge, its nearest neighbours are New Caledonia, 875 kilometres to the north, and New Zealand, 770 kilometres south. A small island territory at the juncture of tropical and temperate environments, Norfolk Island, with its mild climate and isolated location, is significant for both vagrant and endemic fauna species.
George Raper (1769–1796) was a Royal Navy officer and artist who accompanied the First Fleet to Australia. On 6 March 1790, HMS Sirius, with Raper on board, left Port Jackson (now Sydney Harbour) for Norfolk Island. On 19 March, Sirius was wrecked while landing supplies at Norfolk Island and the crew were stranded on the island for 11 months. While there, Raper made several watercolour sketches of the island’s natural history and topographical features.
Raper and the rest of the ship's company eventually returned to Sydney with HMAT Supply, arriving there on 27 February 1791. Raper then returned to England on the Dutch ship Waaksamheyd, after which time he was promoted. In addition to his Norfolk Island works, Raper is known for his water-colour drawings relating to the birds and flowers of Sydney Cove, many of which are held in the State Library of New South Wales and the British Museum.
The Stamps
$1.10 Map of Norfolk Island
The map detail on the stamp shows the route of the Sirius to Norfolk Island, via Phillip Island and Nepean Island. The minisheet shows the entire island. The map, which is now in the National Library of Australia (MAP RM 3460), has both views on the one sheet.
$2.20 Snapper of Norfolk Island
This rendition of a Sweetlip Emperor (Lethrinus miniatus) is one of the watercolours of fauna and flora made by Raper while he was on Norfolk Island in 1790 and 1791. The original is held in the collections of the Natural History Museum, London.
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