Thomas Baines

(John) Thomas Baines (27 November 1820 – 8 May 1875) was an English artist and explorer of British colonial southern Africa and Australia.

In 1855 Baines joined Augustus Gregory's 1855–1857 Royal Geographical Society sponsored expedition across northern Australia as official artist and storekeeper.

[1] The expedition's purpose was to explore the Victoria River district in the north-west and to evaluate the entire northern area of Australia in terms of its suitability for colonial settlement.

In 1870 Baines was granted a concession to explore for gold between the Gweru and Hunyani rivers by Lobengula, leader of the Matabele nation.

[citation needed] Baines is today best known for his detailed paintings and sketches which give a unique insight into colonial life in southern Africa and Australia.

Thomas Baines, Thomas Baines with Aborigines near the mouth of the Victoria River, N.T. , 1857: oil on canvas; 45 x 65.5 cm. National Library of Australia
Self-portrait at age 38. Oil on canvas. William Fehr Collection
Baobab Tree, South Africa. Watercolour, 29 December 1861
Kaffirs having made their fortunes leaving the Colony , 1848