Alexander McCulloch Jnr.

Alexander McCulloch was the eldest son of Alexander McCulloch and Margaret, nee McEwan. Alexander McCulloch senior had arrived from Scotland with his young wife in 1839. From very modest beginnings, he went on to become one of South Australia's largest sheep farmers. McCulloch began with land on the River Gilbert, moving further north to Gottlieb's Well, purchasing Eldrotrilla station, followed by Princess Royal Station, Yongala, Black Rock and Boolcoomatta. His main base was at Princess Royal, where he built a large homestead in 1864 - the year his eldest daughter, Janet, married the solicitor, James Boucaut, later to be Sir James Boucaut.

Alexander junior (Alick) was born in 1847, and after being educated at home with a tutor, was sent to school in England. In 1868, he and his brother John, were sent to manage Black Rock Station. Alick managed Black Rock for seven years, increasing the flock to 64,000 sheep. In 1886 he married Ethel Beresford, daughter of a former Aide de Camp, Colonel George Beresford. Following his father's death in 1890, he seems to have lived at Princess Royal for ten years, before he and his wife moved to Buxton Street, North Adelaide. They also owned a holiday residence on Flinders Parade, Victor Harbour. Alexander McCulloch junior died in 1931, and his wife in 1940.

This very lovely miniature is thought to be the work of Alice Hambidge, one of three talented sisters, who produced many portraits and other artworks from the 1890s through to the 1930s.

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