King George III was the reigning monarch through this eventful period of British history. He was reputed to be obstinate. rash and tyrannical, and through his political ineptitude had been blamed for inciting the American War of Independence. However, it was he who approved the funds for Cook’s voyage which led to the discovery of Australia’s fertile eastern coast. The decision to found a penal settlement in New South Wales was also made under this King’s authority.
The portrait is of King George III by Allan Ramsay, showing the King in his coronation robes, 1761. The backgrounds are based on an engraving and a painting by William Bradley.
Details
- Series: The Decision to Settle
- Subject: King George III
- Designer: David Lancashire
- Printer: Cambrec Press, Melbourne
- Process: Photolithography
- Colours:
- Paper: APWH stamp paper
- Perf: 13.25
- Sheet: 50 stamps (R5 x 5) printed in two panes, separated by horizontal gutter.
- Quantity:
Gutter
First Day Cover
