15 Facts About Joseph Lycett

Joseph Lycett was born in Staffordshire, England, where he became a botanical artist.

Joseph Lycett had a de facto wife, Mary Stokes, known as Mary Joseph Lycett.

Joseph Lycett was convicted of forgery on 10 August 1811, having been prosecuted by the injured party: the Bank of England.

Joseph Lycett was transported to Australia, sailing aboard the General Hewitt and arriving in Sydney on 7 February 1814.

West left the colony in December 1814 and Joseph Lycett had to find a new position; by May 1815 Joseph Lycett was employed in the police office.

Joseph Lycett was sent to Newcastle on the Lady Nelson, where he came to the attention of the commandant of the settlement, Captain James Wallis.

Joseph Lycett drew up the plans for a church which Wallis projected and, when it was built in 1818, he painted the altar piece; he is said to have produced the three-light window which still survives in the bishop's vestry of Newcastle Cathedral.

Joseph Lycett painted at least 14 scenes depicting traditional cultural practices of the Awabakal people.

Joseph Lycett was responsible for painting eight of the twelve panels on these chests which depict views of Newcastle as well as copies of William Westall's Views of Australian Scenery.

Joseph Lycett returned to Sydney and was allowed to practice his art, and in 1820 Governor Macquarie sent three of his paintings including a large view of Sydney to Earl Bathurst.

Joseph Lycett had possibly married in the colony, for on 21 June 1822 he advertised in The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser that he intended to leave accompanied by his two daughters, Mary Ann and Emma.

Joseph Lycett returned to England in September 1822, having been granted an absolute pardon.

Joseph Lycett wounded himself severely near the jugular vein, and bled profusely.

Joseph Lycett was immediately conveyed to Hospital, and there is every expectation that he will recover from the effects of the wound.

Joseph Lycett was a man of extraordinary ingenuity, and had his talent been better directed, he would have formed a valuable member of society.