Original calligraphic pen-and-ink and watercolor broadside,: handsome text surrounded by large floral watercolors, headed by two birds

[AUSTRALIA]. HENRY, Marianne, prison matron. Original calligraphic pen-and-ink and watercolor broadside, handsome text surrounded by large floral watercolors, headed by two birds. Large folio, 23 1/4 x 18", inside 20th century (?) tan wooden frame. Melbourne, February, 1881.

A lovely retirement gift extending congratulations to Marianne Henry upon her retirement as Matron at Melbourne Gaol, signed by 33 associates from the jail. "Marianne Henry Matron, Melbourne Gaol. Dear Madam, We the undersigned Officers and Warders of the above Gaol feel that we cannot allow you to sever your long connexion to this Department without conveying to you the high degree of esteem in which you are held by all with whom you are associated in the discharge of your duties. Your large and varied experience in Prison discipline, your consummate tack and sound judgement filled you pre-eminently for the important position you have so admirably filled and justify the high opinion in which you are held by the respected 'Head' of our Department...It is not alone in your Official capacity that your loss will be felt, for whilst an unvarying courtesy and urbanity have been alwyas manifested by you alike to us all, we cannot but feel from the kindly interest you have displayed in our private joys and sorrows, that we shall have lost not only an esteemed Matron but a kind Friend. In wishing you Godspeed we pray that you may be long spared with your now increased leisure the enjoyment of purely domestic happiness in your capacity of a beloved Wife and Mother. Yours Dear Madam, in sincerity...A. Shields [& 32 others]." Mrs. Henry is briefly mentioned once in The Difficulties of My Position: The Diaries of Prison Governor John Buckley Castieau 1855-1884, edited and introduced by Mark Finnane (2004), p. 191, as having requested female servants at the jail, Wednesday, July 24, 1872. At least 10 signatures are by men and women mentioned in Castieau's diaries.Between 1842 and 1929 the jail was the scene of 133 hangings, including Ned Kelly, Australia's most famous criminal, the infamous bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police murderer, who was executed at the jail 11 November 1880, shortly before Matron Henry retired. Among the thirty-three signatures are those of John Buckley Castieau, Prison Governor, J. M. Quin, chief warder, and five other warders, William Flanagan, R. T. Miller, H. Munro, Alex Nixon, James B. Russell, all of whom witnessed Kelly's execution. Castieau, who was born in Gosport, Hampshire in 1831, arrived in Australia in 1852. By 1881 he had become Inspector-General of Penal Establishments in Victoria. The Introduction to his printed diaries contain what is known of his slim biography This retirement gift is beautiful work, albeit unsigned. Lower 1" with light damp stain just touching one flower and leaves. 80544