HUNTER, WILLIAM (1899 -1963)

"Lerderderg Creek (Bacchus Marsh)" (c.1935)
aquatint, 1st artist's proof
15.5 x 22cm
signed lower right
*exhibited at Painters-Etchers & Graphic Art Society Of Australia at David Jones' Galleries in Sydney, 1935
*exhibited at the Board Room in Melbourne, 1936.
*private collection, Sydney
 
Hunter is a forgotten, important Australian Printmaker. His work caught the eye of the legendary Australian Impressionist, Sir Arthur Streeton, who sacrificed space in his own Melbourne Show in 1937 for a selection of 12 of Hunter's aquatints. The Daily Telegraph gave special mention to this exact piece as "highly accomplished design" at Streeton's show!! Little is known about William Hunter, but this Melbourne based printmaker exhibited prominently during the 1930s as part of the Painters-Etchers & the Graphic Art Society Of Australia, alongside the likes of Sydney Long. His style was said to be a descendant of the great British romantic painters of the 19th century. He specialised in aquatints and bookplates, or which several are represented in major galleries including the Art Gallery Of NSW & the National Gallery Of Victoria. This impressive aquatint was exhibited as part of the Painters-Etchers & Graphic Art Society Of Australia at David Jones' Galleries in Sydney, & Hunter's solo show at the Board Room in Melbourne in 1936.