An Englishman, Thomas Baines established himself as an artist in South Africa, first as a portraitist and later as a war artist. Back in England to oversee the publication of some of his work, he was assigned as expedition artist and storekeeper on the North Australian Expedition which would be led by Augustus Charles Gregory. This had been coordinated to explore and examine the resources of the little known Victoria River district.
Largely self-taught, Baines had a deft hand and a keen eye for detail. His illustrated record of the expedition is considered unparalleled among Australian exploration records. In addition to the river which his leader named for him there is also a mountain. Plants and a beetle were also subsequently named for him. Gregory regarded his artist/storeman competent enough to be left in charge of the depot, when he and a small party explored to the south. Later as Gregory crossed overland to the east coast of Australia, Baines was sent to Timor to re-supply the expedition. Here he was compelled to hire another boat when the expedition's boat Tom Tough was deemed too decrepit to continue. Baines was unable to make the meeting with his leader at the Albert River as arranged, but it was through no fault of his own.
After the expedition Baines returned to England with his sketchbook and drawings. In later years he would become known for his dramatic oil paintings created after his journey in Africa with David Livingstone.
