Design and Art Australia Online

sketcher and merchant seaman, was born on 2 February 1825, son of John Korff and Mary, née Gordon. He came to New South Wales in 1840 and worked with his father until becoming a ship’s captain and owner. He was travelling from Mauritius to Van Diemen’s Land as captain of the brig Sophia when he drew Is Amsterdam by SSW dis. 30 Miles Bound to Hobart Town , inscribed 'cloudy Aug 6th 1849 5 p.m.’ and signed F. Korff. Rabbit Island (Vic.), also dated 1849, was probably made on the same voyage.

On 5 March 1853 Korff married Janet, daughter of the late Captain Clark of Limehouse, London, giving as his address the family residence and shipbuilding business in Lower Fort Street, Sydney. A pencil and wash sketch of the ketch Brothers (number 7 of the same name which Frederick partly owned) is signed F. Korff and dated 3 October 1856, the day the ship was wrecked. Frederick and John were both on board and sketching on this memorable voyage, John more prolifically as Frederick was the captain. Frederick’s view of the number 8 Brothers , at Moreton Island (Qld), is dated 1 November 1856.

Many of the watercolour and pencil views which are held in private collection (photographs, ML) are unsigned and undated and may be by him or by his father, their rough drawing styles being virtually identical. An undated and unidentified view of a country residence is initialled by Frederick and the unsigned views of houses may also be his. Frederick Korff died on 22 August 1897.

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Writers:

Staff Writer

Date written:

1992

Last updated:

2011