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James Cassius Williamson (1845–1913), actor and theatrical entrepreneur, worked and performed in theatres in his native Pennsylvania before coming to Victoria under contract to George Selth Coppin in 1874. Over twelve months, he and his comedienne wife became wealthy and famous. They returned overseas, but in 1879 they arrived in Australia having purchased from WS Gilbert the exclusive Australasian rights to perform HMS Pinafore. In 1880 Williamson formed his (Royal) Comic Opera Company. Initially sole lessee of the Theatre Royal in Melbourne, he was in and out of partnerships from 1882, mounting increasingly lavish productions with international stars, opening new ventures such as the (New) Princess’s Theatre in Melbourne, and refurbishing or leasing other venues such as Her Majesty’s in Sydney. By 1904, he had 650 employees on his payroll. Having made an unrivalled impact on Australian theatre, Williamson died in Paris, and was buried in Chicago. Sir John Longstaff (1861–1941), born in Clunes, Victoria, studied at the National Gallery School in Melbourne from 1883 to 1887 and thenceforth at Corman’s in Paris. Becoming friends with the Australian expatriate impressionist John Russell, he met Toulouse- Lautrec and others, but his own style remained conservative and he exhibited at the Salon and the Royal Academy in the early 1890s. His personal attractiveness and charm gained him easy access to wealthy society, where he found portrait sitters including King Edward and Queen Alexandra. Longstaff painted Williamson in his St John’s Wood studio at about the same time as he painted portraits of Williamson’s daughters, Marjory and Aimée (known as Tootles). Having painted his commanding portrait of Nellie Melba in 1923, he won the Archibald Prize five times between 1925 and 1935; during this period, in 1928, he was knighted. From 1927 until his death in Melbourne in 1941 he was a trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria.

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Artist Biography

early life and education

sir john campbell longstaff was an australian painter, war artist, and a five-time winner of the archibald prize for portraiture. born on 10 march 1861 in clunes, victoria, longstaff was educated at a boarding school in miners rest and clunes state school. he studied at the melbourne national gallery school between 1883 and 1887, where his talent was recognized by george folingsby.

artistic career

longstaff's artistic career began with his involvement in the bohemian artists' society, the buonarotti club, which he co-founded in may 1883. he was a prolific portraitist of the edwardian period, painting many high society figures in both australia and britain. his cousin, will longstaff, was also a painter and war artist. some of his notable works include breaking the news, which won the national gallery of victoria's first travelling scholarship in 1887, and lady in grey, a whistlerian portrait of his wife topsy.

european sojourn

in 1887, longstaff sailed to london with his wife, where he mingled with expatriate artists from australia. he later moved to paris, where he attended the atelier of fernand cormon and studied at académie colarossi. during this period, he adopted impressionist techniques, resulting in a temporary brightening of his palette and more daring brushwork. this change in style can be seen in landscapes he painted during his stay at belle île, in the summer of 1889.

awards and recognition

longstaff was a five-time winner of the archibald prize for portraiture, which is one of the most prestigious art awards in australia. his work can be found in several museums, including the national gallery of australia and the english heritage museum. for more information on longstaff's work, visit WahooArt.com or wikipedia.

archibald prize for portraiture: five-time winner
national gallery of australia: features longstaff's work, including motherless
english heritage museum: showcases longstaff's paintings, including j.c. williamson

longstaff's legacy as a prolific portraitist of the edwardian period continues to be celebrated through his work, which can be found in museums and private collections around the world. his contributions to australian art are immeasurable, and his influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary artists today.

sir john campbell longstaff

1861 - 1941 , Australia

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Impressionism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Whistler']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['George Folingsby']
Date Of Birth: 1861-03-10
Date Of Death: 1941-10-01
Full Name: Sir John Campbell Longstaff
Nationality: Australian
Notable Artworks:
- Breaking the News
- Lady in Grey
Place Of Birth: Clunes, Australia

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