AustLit

'John Rae (1813–1900) was an extraordinarily innovative and talented public servant, author, painter, and photographer. A self-taught artist, he became a well-respected figure in colonial Sydney, Australia, as both an art practitioner and as a teacher. Rae was also highly-regarded as a very competent and levelheaded bureaucrat, and so was an important (and rare) figure in the early halls of Australian politics and power. His capacity as well as his determination to provide clear and strategic leadership were on display when he was appointed Town Clerk for the new City of Sydney in 1843 to act as secretary, administrator, and as chief advisor to the City’s Council. In this role he undertook a vast array of activities including the taking of minutes for all of the Council’s meetings.' (Introduction)