Inspirational Illustrations!

Here’s the original homestead known as Fairfields that my ancestors, the Shipp Family, built at Pyramid Hill circa 1880.  That’s my great-grandad, a shearer, at the gate in the 1950’s.  The shearing team camped in the house with the family. Shane McGrath’s depiction in Shearing Time is stunning.

The old home on the farm where my mum’s family lived.

Shane grew up in Melbourne and had lots of cousins that he loved to visit in places like Ballarat and St Arnaud in country Victoria. He would explore the old buildings, climb over old machinery and chase geckos through the bush. The sounds and colours of the countryside are what he remembers most. I think he perfectly captures the Australian landscape and rural life! Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Shearing Time and for another chance to win drop over to the wonderful Karen Tyrell’s blog on Tuesday, Feb 28.