FILDES, PERCY A. (1876-1955)

"Mixed Bunch" (c.1950)
oil on canvas board
50 x 61cm
signed lower right
*private collection, Sydney
 
Percy Arthur Fildes was a prominent New Zealand-born engineer and part-time artist. The nephew of reverred British artist, Sir Luke Fildes (1843-1927), Fildes was born in Temuka, in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. He moved to Sydney in the late 19th century, taking up the position of Chief Inspector Of Scaffolding, Lifts & Cranes in NSW. Thereafter, he was promoted to Departmental Engineer & Chief Inspector of the Department of Labour & Industry and became a member of the Institute of Architects in NSW. During this time he dabbled in painting & photography as a hobby. He was a member of the Wellington Art Club, and exhibited regularly at the Royal Art Society of NSW from 1906 until his death. Following his retirement, perhaps inspired by his famous uncle, Percy pursued painting more seriously in both oil & watercolour, specialising in still lifes and landscapes.