Andrew Mitchell Ramsay (1809-1869), clergyman, was Melbourne's first Presbyterian minister. Having graduated with distinction in classics, philosophy and science from the University of Glasgow, Ramsay undertook theological studies and was ordained in 1833. In January 1847 he arrived in Port Phillip with his wife and children. In January 1850 with three other ministers, Ramsay formed the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria. St Enoch's church in Collins Street was built for his congregation in 1851 and Ramsay helped found a number of other congregations in Melbourne in the 1850s. Ramsay campaigned for the abolition of state aid, publishing a pamphlet on this subject in 1856. One contemporary account described him as an unforgettable preacher, 'so intense was his earnestness and so thoroughly did he throw himself into his subject.'
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009
Accession number: 2009.136
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Andrew Mitchell Ramsay (age 56 in 1865)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
The Darling Prize is a new annual prize for Australian portrait painters, painting Australian sitters. The winner receives a cash prize of $75,000.
This exhibition showcases portraits acquired through the generosity of the National Portrait Gallery’s Founding Patrons, L Gordon Darling AC CMG and Marilyn Darling AC.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
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