NewSouth Books author Dr Gary Werskey released his book Picturing a Nation: The Art and Life of A.H. Fullwood on 1 March.
Regarded in his day as an essential Australian impressionist painter, A.H. Fullwood (1863–1930) was also the most widely viewed British–Australian artist of the Heidelberg era. So why is Fullwood so little known today?
In Picturing a Nation – a pioneering, richly illustrated biography – historian and curator Gary Werskey brings Fullwood and his extraordinary career as an illustrator, painter, and war artist back to life while casting a new light on the most fabled era in the history of Australian art. Fullwood’s illustrations for the famous Picturesque Atlas of Australasia and the Bulletin helped shape how settler-colonial Australia was seen both here and around the world. At the time, his paintings were as celebrated as those of Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton.
Australian author Don Watson said about Picturing a Nation, “Gary Werskey’s essential and rousing portrait lifts Fullwood to his rightful place in the pantheon of Australian art and reminds us how much the nation owes a generation of inspired bohemians for uncovering and defining its character and identity. It’s a great read and looks beautiful.”
Besides the release of Picturing a Nation, the National Library of Australia in the ACT is exhibiting A Nation Imagined: The Artists of the Picturesque Atlas until 11 July, which features A.H Fullwood’s work and is an excellent complement to Werskey’s book.
Dr Gary Werskey is a Harvard-trained biographer and cultural historian who has held academic positions at Edinburgh University, Imperial College, and the University of New South Wales. He is currently an Honorary Associate in the University of Sydney’s Department of History. He is an engaging, experienced speaker and the co-founder of the Blackheath History Forum.
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