Did You Know?
Hugh Ramsay (1877-1906) was born in Scotland and came to Australian when he was about 1. He studied with Frederick McCubbin and Bernard Hall in Victoria.
John Longstaff recognized Ramsay’s promise and took an interest in his work, remaining a friend and mentor. Although he did not win a travelling scholarship he was determined to study in Europe and left Australia in 1900, whereupon he met George and Amy Lambert (they remained friends until his early death at only 28 years of age).
In Paris he lived in a dilapidated building in Montparnasse with other artists.
However, due to overwork and poor living conditions during two hard winters in Paris, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to return to Australia.
Ramsay was introduced to Dame Nellie Melba who invited him to paint her portrait in London.
She held an exhibition his works at her Toorak home in 1902 and commissioned him to paint members of her family.
Despite his illness Ramsay continued to work, influenced strongly by John Singer
Sargent’s work and in 1903 and 1904 produced large canvases exhibited at the Victorian Artists society – “Lady with Fan” “An Equestrian Portrait” and “The
Sisters” (AGNSW Collection).
For additional information see the following:
Lavender Bay Gallery: 25-27 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW, 2060
(Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm : Sat-Sun 11am - 4pm)
Phone: (02) 9955 5752 · Email: lavender@royalart.com.au · Fax: (02) 9925 0064 ·
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Last updated 16 Sep 2011