DIXON, GEORGE (c.1875-1940)

"Bridal Veil & Weeping Rock, Leura" (c.1920)
Oil on canvas laid on board
59 x 38cm
Signed indistinctly lower right
*private collection, Sydney
 
Dixon is a forgotten British-Australian Scenic & Set Painter. He was the son of respected British painter, Alfred Dixon (1842-1919), and his brother was also the accomplished Maritime painter, Charles Dixon R.A. (1872-1934).  He started his career in the studio of Joseph Harker, veteran scenic artist in London (and inspiration for Jonathon Harker in Stoker's 'Dracula'). He arrived in Sydney from the UK in 1900. He quickly established himself as one of the leading Theatre Set Painters in the country. He painted the backdrop for Her Majesty's Theatre when it re-opened, a prestigious commission. Outside the theatre, he painted he specialised in cityscapes, seascapes and scenes of the bush. He left for England in 1906, but returned in 1913 where he again excelled in the Sydney Theatre community, partnering with respected scenic artist, Harry Whaite.
 
Bridal Veil and Weeping Rock in Leura was a popular photo location for Blue Mountains' tourists, photographers and artists at the turn of the 20th century.