Prinsep Lead Light Window

Henry (Harry) Charles Prinsep, the son of Charles Robert and Louisa Anne Prinsep, was born in Calcutta, India, in 1844. His father Charles Prinsep, who was a lawyer for the East India company, had invested in company land settlement schemes in Australia and Harry came to Western Australia in 1866 to review the viability of his father’s property Belvedere, Australind. On a trip from Belvedere to Busselton, he met and fell in love with Charlotte Josephine Bussell (1849-1929), the youngest daughter of John Garrett and Charlotte Bussell of Cattle Chosen. They married in 1869 and had 3 daughters Carlotta Louisa (1869-1960), Emily Frances (1874-1960) Virginia Mary (1880-1958). Between 1869 and 1874 he managed both Belvedere and Prinsep Park, Dardanup, after which these properties were sold to cover debts from an unsuccessful business venture.

In 1874 the Prinsep family moved to Perth where Harry was appointed a draftsman, then promoted to Under Secretary for the new Department of Mines, where he supervised the later stages of the gold rush. In 1898, he was appointed Chief Protector of Aborigines in WA, a position he held for 5 years. During his time in Perth, the Prinsep family resided at The Studio, just next door to the Perth Mint, here they entertained many well-known and well-connected members of the West Australian colonial society.

Harry Prinsep retired in 1908 and moved to Busselton where, in 1909, he built Little Holland House and lived there until he passed away in 1922. After his retirement, his daughters took ownership of The Studio and renamed it The Olives and it was used as a guest house until 1951. This lead light window was salvaged from the house before it was demolished in 1957 but little is known of its journey into the Museum collection. One has to think the Latin citation embedded in this window, which means “by virtue, not by race”, held deep meaning to Harry Prinsep and was reflected in his life.