Career
He crafted one of the finest and most remarkable examples of Victorian colonial cabinetmaking, no doubt with the post gold rush market in mind. Whilst he would have been responsible for its overall design, it is probable that the carvings, which have a mix of British and Silesian styles were the work of Felix Terlecki (b1869), a craftsman from the Carlton district of Melbourne. Kinsman or relative, Angus McLean may also have been involved.
Described by a probable descendant, "Doctorate. McL", as the work of a "major part of half a lifetime", the sideboard was rebuilt and enlarged to include a new arched back inlaid with over 1,000 pieces of mahogany, cedar, blackwood and satinwood in time for the 42nd International Exhibition, held in London in 1873.
Peter Mclean was married to Jane, née Strong, and had at least two children, William (1845–1905) and Joseph. The brothers worked together in the firm of McLean Bros & Rigg which specialized in wholesale and retail ironmongery, general hardware and machinery importing, and which is notable as having the first installation, in January 1878, of a regular commercial telephone service in Australia.
lieutenant linked the head office in Elizabeth Street with their Spencer Street store — about 1.2 km away.
