Although the work of Henry Robinson Smith was much admired by his contemporaries, few of his works have survived. After a visit to Smith’s studio in 1855, the Sydney Morning Herald noted: ‘We at once recognised a splendid view of Woolloomooloo Bay, the foliage in which is beautifully painted. Much time has been spent by the Artist in making his sketches for this fine picture, which is now fast progressing towards its completion’.

Grantham, an extravagant, castellated private residence at Darlinghurst ‘forms a prominent object in the midst of the most lovely foliage; and the fine clouded sky and azure water complete a scene of rare beauty’.

The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 20 July 1855, page 2.