File:The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 1934-09-04 - page 3 - Early Victorian Art.jpg

EARLY VICTORIAN ART

C. J. W. Russell's Pictures For Melbourne

A group of pictures by the late Charles J. W. Russell, depicting scenes of the early forties in Victoria, will form an art contribution from

Queensland to be lent to the Public Library, Museum, and National Gallery of Victoria, in connection with the exhibition of early Victorian art to be staged for the centenary celebrations. They are in the possession of Miss Agnes F. D. Barton, of Wynnum, whose mother, Mrs. Wicksteed Barton (nee Fanny Dumas), is a niece of the late Charles Russell. In five watercolours the artist has faithfully reproduced typical Australian scenery. The old home of the Russells at Little Bendigo portrays the stone house on the roadside. It is signed by Russell, and dated 1842. Another watercolour, also dated in the early forties, of the Yarra Bond, is a scene that will be within the memory of few living Victorians. A Murray River scene in pencil demonstrates the versatile eye of the artist. Russell came to Australia about the beginning of the 19th century from Kent. A letter written on January 1, 1862, by him, from Little Bendigo, mentions his work as a surveyor. It was not long after this that he died. The paintings were sent to his sister, the late Mrs. Victor Dumas, of Mount Barker, South Australia. About 18 years ago they were brought to Queensland by the present owner.