Jeff Makin was born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia in 1943 and is recognised as one of Australia's leading landscape painters. Makin now lives in Central Victoria. He has an extensive exhibition career and his work is represented in national, state and many regional galleries throughout Australia. In 2019, Jeff Makin explored the local landscape around Maryborough, Victoria as part of his interest in the architectural relics of the goldmining era. His interest was captured by the Grand Duke Mine in Timor and the subsequent painting was acquired by Central Goldfields Art Gallery. From 1869 to 1896, this mine produced some 216,000 ounces of gold. In December 1883, a tragic accident at the mine claimed the lives of four men.