Blackburn, James (1803-1854), an English-born Australian engineer and architect, became famous for his Gothic design for churches. He was convicted of forgery in England in 1833 and was transported to Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania). There, he worked as a road surveyor. In 1841, Blackburn gained a free pardon and began a practice as an architect in Van Diemen’s Land. He surveyed roads, designed bridges, and planned water supplies for Hobart and Launceston. Blackburn also designed churches, now recognized as among Tasmania’s finest, in such cities and towns as Glenorchy, Hobart, and Pontville. In 1849, he moved to Melbourne, where he became the city surveyor and designed the Yan Yean water supply. He died on March 3, 1854.
