The South Solitary optic is significant as one of the most original and complete examples of a first order lens in an Australian museum, and the only original example of an eight-panel first order lens in a museum in Australia. South Solitary was the first and last lighthouse in NSW to utilise kerosene to fuel the light.

The lighthouse itself was built in a peak period of lighthouse construction in the later part of the 19th century. The lighthouse was a link in the “highway of coastal lights’ along the NSW coast. At the time of its construction, coastal navigation was hazardous and the lighthouse would have assisted in the development of safe coastal trade and the subsequent economic development of NSW. It certainly would have impacted on the economic development of Coffs Harbour and its surrounds which relied heavily on shipping transport for its timbers, sugar, fruits and dairy products.

The type of lens installed at the lighthouse was a Fresnel lens, developed by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel in 1822 specifically for use in lighthouses. Fresnel lenses generally fell into six categories, classed as ‘orders’. South Solitary’s lens is a First Order which is the largest size, with a focal length of 920mm. The first order lens from South Solitary was manufactured by Chance Brothers in Spon Lane, Smethwick near Birmingham in England, as were almost all of the lenses of that size. It was ordered on 13 August 1878 and was supplied 6 months after that date. The total cost of the lens and pedestal was £3,108.40. Chance Brothers used Crown glass to make the larger first order lenses – it was harder, lighter and had less striae than flint glass, but was easier to mould, shape and polish. The glass was a combination of French sand, lime, carbonate of soda, nitrate of soda and arsenic. Originally when the optic was installed at South Solitary 130 years ago, it would have been clear glass, but over the years the sunlight and ultraviolet light reacting with the trace elements in the glass have caused it to yellow.

The South Solitary optic is significant through its association with Colonial Architect James Barnet, who was a significant figure in Australia’s early architecture. He was responsible for not just designing many NSW lighthouse, but also notable buildings such as Customs House, the General Post Office, Colonial Secretary’s Office and a wing of the Australian Museum.

South Solitary Island Lighthouse is a significant part of the history of Coffs Harbour having contributed to safer waters for mariners since 1880. Its imagery is used by a number of organisations within Coffs Harbour, including the Coffs Harbour High School who motto is lumen ex tenebris, which is Latin for ‘light out of darkness’.

(Written and researched by Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas, October 2013. Updated by International Conservation Services, July 2020)

South Solitary Island lighthouse optic. First order lens, pedestal and clockwork assembly.