In addition to being a soldier, explorer and surveyor, Colonel William Light has been recognised as a skilled artist. During his travels as Surveyor-General of South Australia, he recorded scenes in the new colony with pencil and watercolour sketches.

In January 1836 Light was appointed Surveyor-General of South Australia. Light sailed from England in May in the brig Rapid , and arrived in South Australia in the following August. The South Australian Company had sent ahead some ships to Kangaroo Island to engage in whaling, and carrying a limited number of settlers. The Duke of York arrived at Nepean Bay on 27 July 1836. The Beare family of six was among its passengers, including Thomas Hudson Beare, his wife Lucy and four children. Thomas Beare was appointed as Deputy Colonial Manager and Building Superintendent for the South Australian Company.

After first visiting Encounter Bay, Light sailed to Nepean Bay, arriving on 20 August. In his journal he recorded that he went ashore on 22 August where '...Mr Beare and a few others had pitched their tents...'. Light made a rough sketch of 'Mr Beare's tents, Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island' in his notebook (See PRG 1/4/176/001-002). By April 1839 Light had completed this artwork from the earlier sketch.

Many of William Light's personal papers and sketchbooks were destroyed in a fire at his cottage in Adelaide in January 1839. Fortunately, some were saved and give us an insight into his decisions for the planning of Adelaide and also his character. Many of the surviving sketches bear the signs of the fire with charred edges.

Learn more about his life and see the full collection of Light watercolours.

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