Francis Wilson Niven b. 1831

Also known as F. W. Niven
  • Artist (Photographer),
  • Artist (Printmaker),
  • Artist (Draughtsman)
A sketcher, photographer, lithographer, carver, printer and stationary manufacturer. Upon arriving in Ballarat, Niven purchased a lithographic press from Alfred Ronalds for £40 - said to be the first such press in Victoria. Despite having no practical knowledge of printing, he taught himself from books and his business went on to enjoy great commercial success.

Citations

  • 'Victorian Death Index’.

  • Gibbney, H.J. & Smith, A.G. (1987), 'A Biographical Register 1788-1939’, Canberra, ACT.

  • Holden, R. (1988), 'Photography in Colonial Australia: The Mechanical Eye and the Illustrated Book’, Potts Point, New South Wales.

  • 'Ballarat and Vicinity’, Ballarat, Vic., (n.d.), [Kimberley, W.B. (ed.)].

  • (1905), 'Cyclopedia of Victoria’, Melbourne, Victoria, Volume 3, [Smith, James (ed.)].

  • (1897), Australian Typographical Journal, June.

  • (1869), Melbourne, Vic. : Age, 07-22.

  • Woodhouse, H. (1889), 'The Victorian pioneers of litho-drawing and engraving’, La Trobe Collection, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Vic., (typescript).

  • Information sourced from Cudmore, Peter A.

  • Information sourced from Lennon, Jane.

  • (1882), Ballarat District Directory.

Initial data sources

  • DAA with additions