Robin Cromer, Flinders' box (Bowls & Boxes)

Matthew Flinders (1774–1814) was an outstanding navigator, cartographer, and scientist. He was appointed Commander of the HMS Investigator and given instructions to chart the coast of New Holland. The Investigator sailed for New Holland in 1801 with several scientists including the Scottish botanist Robert Brown. Flinders’ journal “A voyage to Terra Australis” was published after his death in 1814. In a reference to Brown, he recorded that the ‘type’ specimen of the genus Flindersia was observed in September 1802 near the head of Broad Sound, about 23 degrees south latitude (between modern day Mackay and Rockhampton). Robert Brown named the genus Flindersia in honour of Mathew Flinders. He named the ‘type’ species of the genus – Flindersia australis R Br., as the first species described from Terra Australis, the name first championed by Flinders. The genus now includes 17 species from the Moluccas, New Guinea, Australia (NSW & Qld) and New Caledonia. Flinders’ box contains wood from five species of the genus. Flindersia australis (Australian teak, Crows ash): Front and back panels Flindersia brayleyana (Queensland maple): Sides, plinth and lid. Veneer inside the lid and the base of the box is figured maple. Flindersia bourjotiana (Silver ash): Dividers and tray lifters Flindersia xanthoxyla (Yellow wood): Trays Flindersia maculosa (Leopardwood): Tray supports The marquetry design on the lid is based on a 1991 stamp ($1) which commemorated Flinders and the HMS Investigator.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.