A recent research project for the team – Stephane, a Frenchman who has made Balmain home, came to see us with this original framed photo under his arm.
Stephane’s parents had come across the framed picture in a junk shop in the south of France. The inscription at the foot of the pic reads “Pic-nick d’adieu offert par la colonie de Balmain à M. Toiche, Commissaire du ‘Dupleix’ (Sydney le 21 Août 1886) Auguste Michel”, so Stephane’s parents, having visited him in Sydney, posted it to him. Could you help me find out about the picture? Stephane asked. Here’s what we found.