Baron Charles Robert Carrington KG (1843–1928) was born in England and educated at Eton and Cambridge. He served as a captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms before being appointed governor of New South Wales in 1885. On his arrival the colony was suffering a drought, economic recession and political crisis. Carrington quickly formed a good relationship with Sir Henry Parkes and the pair often met to discuss the promotion of federation. The colony’s name was changed to Australia during Carrington’s administration, in 1887. In 1890 Carrington returned to England where his speeches in support of Australian nationalism shocked the local gentry. However, behind closed doors he was more critical of Australian politics, commenting that ‘its factions, its personal changes, its waste of time and opportunity … are but humble imitations of the proceedings of London statesmen’.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ronald Walker 2002
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.
