Botanical Gardens and Government House

Henry Burn's depiction of Government House coincides with the date of the building's completion. Built to the design of architect William Wardell (1823–1899), who also designed St Patrick's Cathedral, Government House took four years to complete.

Government House is set in a garden initially laid out by the amateur designer Joseph Sayce in 1873, whose plan was executed with assistance and alterations by the gardens' probationary dierctor, William Guilfoyle (1840–1912). This painting dates from an interesting period in the history of the gardens. Guilfoyle was in the process of implementing a design that favoured large expanses of lawn to allow people to freely walk across the open landscaped spaces. This approach contrasted strongly with that of his predecessor, Ferdinand von Mueller (1825–1896), whose design kept visitors to carefully delineated paths.

The setting for Burn's painting is thought to be the area adjacent to the present-day Hopetoun Lawn. The timber has most likely been cleared in preparation for the landscaping to Guilfoyle's design. Over the years further changes were made to this scene, including the replacement in 1890 of Guilfoyle's rustic timber bridge.