International Museum Day 2026: Rediscovering Mauritius through watercolour paintings of William Sandeforth Streatfield

To mark International Museum Day 2026, the Mauritius Museums Council, under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture, is hosting a special exhibition entitled “Watercolours of Mauritius 1820–1830 by William Sandeforth Streatfield” at the Natural History Museum in Port Louis. The exhibition, which features 55 rare watercolour paintings portraying the landscapes, architecture and natural beauty of Mauritius during the early 19th century, will be open to the public till 13 June 2026.

The collection takes visitors on a visual journey across various regions of the island including Port Louis, Tamarin, Black River, Souillac, Bel Ombre, Réduit and Mahébourg. Through delicate brushwork and carefully layered pigments, Streatfield captured the richness of the Mauritian environment, from lush vegetation and coastal scenery to colonial residences, bridges and harbours. His paintings also document important historical landmarks such as the residences of Major Webster, Captain Dick and Charles Telfair, offering valuable insight into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Although several artists, such as T. Bradshaw, A. Richard and P. Thuillier, produced works depicting Mauritius, Streatfield’s collection remains the most significant known series of 19th century Mauritian landscape watercolours. His paintings stand out for their artistic precision, botanical detail and ability to convey the atmosphere and charm of the island during that period.

Born in London in 1781, William Sandeforth Streatfield served in the British army and was posted to Mauritius in the early 1800s at the Storekeeper General department. During his stay on the island, he produced around 55 miniature watercolours that today constitute an invaluable historical and artistic record of Mauritius. His works reflect the fascination of European artists of that era with travel, discovery and exotic landscapes.

This year’s International Museum Day theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World”, highlights the role of museums in fostering dialogue, inclusion and mutual understanding across communities and cultures. As spaces for learning, reflection and cultural exchange, museums serve as custodians to preserving heritage while encouraging respectful dialogue and social cohesion. Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to rediscover Mauritius through the eyes of an artist whose admiration for the island continues to resonate through his timeless paintings.

05 June 2026

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