BARTON, ARTHUR 'ART' (1887-1974)

“Sea Shells” (c.1950)
oil on canvas
cm
signed lower left
*private collection, Sydney
 
Arthur 'Art' Barton (1887-1974), who was known as the 'Rembrandt of Luna Park' for his wonderful murals throughout the venue. Millions of visitors have enjoyed his comical creations, particularly those in Coney Island - often referred to as his Sistine Chapel. Following his traumatic experiences on the Western Front as an ANZAC machine-gunner, the wounded Barton was granted leave to study at the London School Of Arts. He returned to Sydney intent on working professionally as an artist, emulating his heros; important Australian cartoonists Stan Cross and Syd Nicholls. Having produced numerous comic strips and comic books, he was one of 35 artists employed in 1935 to work on Luna Park in Sydney, to rival Melbourne's original. This began a lifelong career at the park, where Barton was responsible for creating it's fun, recognisable fairground aesthetic. Art Barton Park at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is named for him for his cultural and historical significance to Sydney.