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William John Wills Collection

William John Wills, a name forever etched in the annals of Australian history

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Inauguration of the Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865. Creator: Unknown

Inauguration of the Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865. Creator: Unknown
Inauguration of the Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865. 'The monument which has been erected...to the memory of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills, who, in June

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865. Creator: Unknown

The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865. Creator: Unknown
The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865. 'The monument which has been erected in the city of Melbourne to the memory of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills, who

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The burial of William John Wills

The burial of William John Wills
3585962 The burial of William John Wills; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the burial of William John Wills (1834-1861) a British surveyor

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Burke and Wills Expedition leaving Melbourne, 1860

The Burke and Wills Expedition leaving Melbourne, 1860
1578512 The Burke and Wills Expedition leaving Melbourne, 1860; (add.info.: The Robert O'Hara Burke (1821-1861) and William John Wills (1834-1861) Expedition leaving Melbourne

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: A scene from Burke and Wills expedition

A scene from Burke and Wills expedition
5310337 A scene from Burke and Wills expedition; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a scene from Burke and Wills expedition of Australia)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: William John Wills

William John Wills
3585963 William John Wills; (add.info.: Portrait of William John Wills (1834-1861) a British surveyor, trained surgeon and second-in-command of the ill-fated Burke

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Milton Vase, 1857. Creator: Unknown

The Milton Vase, 1857. Creator: Unknown
The Milton Vase, 1857. This interesting work of sculpture attracted much admiration at the last exhibition of the Royal Academy. The vase is feet 5 inches in height

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: William John Wills (engraving)

William John Wills (engraving)
663983 William John Wills (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William John Wills)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne (engraving)

The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne (engraving)
1610476 The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Melbourne Monument of Burke and Wills, the Australian Explorers (engraving)

The Melbourne Monument of Burke and Wills, the Australian Explorers (engraving)
1610861 The Melbourne Monument of Burke and Wills, the Australian Explorers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Melbourne Monument of Burke and Wills)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: La Mort De Burke En Australie (engraving)

La Mort De Burke En Australie (engraving)
2783266 La Mort De Burke En Australie (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: La Mort De Burke En Australie)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Wrapping the Remains in a Union Jack as a Fitting Winding-Sheet for the Gallant Explorer, Mr

Wrapping the Remains in a Union Jack as a Fitting Winding-Sheet for the Gallant Explorer, Mr
663979 Wrapping the Remains in a Union Jack as a Fitting Winding-Sheet for the Gallant Explorer, Mr. Howitt Buried him under a Box-Tree (engraving) by English School

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Route of Burke and Wills across the Continent of Australia from Coopers Creek to the Gulf of

The Route of Burke and Wills across the Continent of Australia from Coopers Creek to the Gulf of Carpentaria (engraving)
1620141 The Route of Burke and Wills across the Continent of Australia from Coopers Creek to the Gulf of Carpentaria (engraving) by Dower

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Melbourne Illustrated, Monument to Burke and Wills, the Explorers, Collins Street (engraving)

Melbourne Illustrated, Monument to Burke and Wills, the Explorers, Collins Street (engraving)
1060352 Melbourne Illustrated, Monument to Burke and Wills, the Explorers, Collins Street (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Melbourne Illustrated)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Les Explorateurs Australiens (engraving)

Les Explorateurs Australiens (engraving)
2789308 Les Explorateurs Australiens (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Les Explorateurs Australiens. Illustration for Journal Des Voyages, 1 July 1883)

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Burke And Wills Statue

Burke And Wills Statue
The statue of Robert O Hara Burke and William John Wills on Collins Street, Melbourne, circa 1865. The work of Charles Summers, the statue commemorates the deaths of the two explorers

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Burke And Wills Statue

Burke And Wills Statue
The inauguration of a statue of Robert O Hara Burke and William John Wills on Collins Street, Melbourne, 1865. The work of Charles Summers, the statue commemorates the deaths of the two explorers

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Inauguration of the Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865

Inauguration of the Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865

The Burke and Wills Monument at Melbourne, Australia, 1865

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Burke and Wills expedition setting out from Royal Park, Melbourne, Australia, 20 August 1860

Burke and Wills expedition setting out from Royal Park, Melbourne, Australia, 20 August 1860. Robert O Hara Burke and William John Wills were commissioned by the Government of Australia to make

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Burke And Wills Statue

Burke And Wills Statue
The inauguration of a statue of Robert O Hara Burke and William John Wills on Collins Street, Melbourne, 1865. The work of Charles Summers, the statue commemorates the deaths of the two explorers

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Burke And Wills Statue

Burke And Wills Statue
The statue of Robert O Hara Burke and William John Wills on Collins Street, Melbourne, circa 1865. The work of Charles Summers, the statue commemorates the deaths of the two explorers

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: Burke and Wills Expedition

Burke and Wills Expedition to explore the interior of Australia (1860 - 1861). Death of Robert O Hara Burke (1820 - 1861) Irish explorer and leader of the expedition

Background imageWilliam John Wills Collection: The Return of Burke, Wills, and King to Coopers Creek, 1st March 1838 (steel engraving)

The Return of Burke, Wills, and King to Coopers Creek, 1st March 1838 (steel engraving)
XJF137412 The Return of Burke, Wills, and King to Coopers Creek, 1st March 1838 (steel engraving) (b/w photo) by Australian School



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William John Wills, a name forever etched in the annals of Australian history. In 1865, Melbourne witnessed the grand inauguration of the Burke and Wills Monument, a tribute to these brave explorers who ventured into uncharted territories. The monument stood tall, symbolizing their indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. The public funeral held in Melbourne was a somber occasion that brought together mourners from all walks of life. The engraving capturing this poignant moment immortalizes the respect and admiration people had for Burke and Wills. It serves as a reminder of their sacrifice for exploration. Among those paying homage was William John Wills himself, depicted in another engraving. His stoic expression reflects his unwavering commitment to uncovering Australia's mysteries despite facing immense challenges along the way. The Melbourne Monument stands proud even today, reminding us of Burke and Wills' extraordinary achievements. This engraving captures its magnificence against the backdrop of bustling Collins Street – an enduring testament to their legacy. Their journey across Australia is traced through yet another intricate engraving, showcasing the route they took from Coopers Creek to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Their path marked with hardship but also moments of triumph that will forever be remembered. Melbourne Illustrated provides further insight into this remarkable expedition with its depiction of explorers wrapped in a Union Jack flag - a fitting winding-sheet for these gallant adventurers who lost their lives pursuing knowledge beyond known boundaries. In "La Mort De Burke En Australie, " we see grief-stricken faces mourning the loss felt throughout Australia upon hearing news about Burke's death during this treacherous expedition. Their sorrow echoes across time as we remember these fallen heroes. No words can truly capture the magnitude or significance of what William John Wills accomplished alongside Robert O'Hara Burke on their Australian exploring expedition. These engravings serve as visual reminders that inspire generations to embrace curiosity and push the boundaries of human exploration.