Will Ashton

Will Ashton was a prominent Australian painter and art critic who was known for his impressionistic style and his contribution to the development of Australian art. He was born in York, England, on 20 September 1881, the son of Julian Rossi Ashton, a well-known artist and teacher. He moved to Australia with his family in 1884 and grew up in Sydney. He showed an early talent for drawing and painting and studied under his father at the Sydney Art School. Ashton travelled extensively throughout his life, visiting Europe, Asia, Africa and America. He was influenced by various artistic movements, such as impressionism, post-impressionism and orientalism. He painted landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and still lifes, capturing the light and atmosphere of different places. He also wrote articles and reviews for various newspapers and magazines, such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Bulletin and Art in Australia. He was a respected art critic who championed Australian art and artists. Ashton was appointed as the director of the National Art Gallery of New South Wales in 1937, a position he held until 1945. He was responsible for acquiring many important works of art for the gallery, such as paintings by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso. He also organised exhibitions of Australian art, both at home and abroad. He was instrumental in promoting the work of contemporary Australian artists, such as Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd and Russell Drysdale. Ashton was knighted in 1952 for his services to art. He continued to paint until his death on 30 April 1963 at his home in Mosman, Sydney. He was cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. His ashes were scattered in the garden of remembrance. He left behind a large collection of paintings, drawings and sketches, which are now held by various public and private institutions. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Australian art history.