Edmund Barton (1849-1920) of New South Wales had been an ardent advocate of Federation and was a key architect of Australia's Constitution. On January 1 1901 he was sworn in as Australia's first Prime Minister.

The bust is part of the Symon Library, a fine example of a 'gentleman's library', donated to the State Library by Sir Josiah Symon a prominent member 1897-98 Australasian Federal Convention and senator from 1901-1913.

The sculptor, Nelson Illingworth (1862-1926) arrived in Sydney in 1892 and worked there and in New Zealand.

The cartoon Three men in a boat was published in Quiz and lantern February 8 1900 and shows delegates James Dickson (Qld.), Edmund Barton (NSW) and Charles Kingston (SA) setting sail as part of the delegation to negotiate the enactment of the Commonwealth of Australia Bill through the British Parliament. They are accompanied by their dog 'Persuasion'. Waiting upon their arrival is Britain's Secretary of State for the Colonies, Joseph Chamberlain.

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