A late Victorian Kerosene shale portrait medallion, titled Acness 1884 by John Baird (1834-1894), by John Baird (1834-1894), depicting a young girl in profile, 17 cm dia. note: John Baird (1843-1894) A postal worker and self-taught Sydney artist began carving Kerosene shale after the untimely death of his seven year old Son in 1880. Baird used the cheap and easily obtained material to fashion small carvings and plaques generally depicting members of his family as well as political, religious, sporting figures and international identities