The Artists ’Corner

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 269, 3 February 1928, Page 14

The Artists ’Corner

I GEORGE LAMBERT, A.R.A., AUSTRALIA’S MASTER DRAUGHTSMAN, CARRIES I OFF THE COVETED ARCHI- | BALD PRIZE FOR 1927.

A COSMOPOLITAN PAINTER

On an early evening in ’96, when Julian Ashton was art instructor at the Art Society’s classes in Pitt Street, Sydney, a slim youth with steady blue eyes, and long, silky fair hair, and "quite an assured manner for one so young,” waited in the office. "Mr Ashton,” he said. “I want to learn to draw, and I have been advised to see you.” No, he had not been drawing anywhere before. The head of the Apollo Belvedere was placed on a stand. "Draw that,” said the busy instructor, and promptly forgot his wouldbe pupil. The lad was George Lambert. News comes from Sydney this week that the Archibald prize for 1927 has been awarded to G. W. Lambert, A.R.A., as he now signs himself, for a portrait of Mrs. Murdoch, of Melbourne. Fifty-six portraits were submitted —two less than last year. But to revert to the youthful Lambert’s interview with Julian Ashton. Long afterwards, the veteran instructor wrote: "Those who remember that head of the Apollo, its poise, the straight nose and sharply-defined nostrils, the clear cutting of the upper and lower lips of that bow-shaped mouth, will understand my surprise upon seeing a raw beginner handle so difficult a subject in so spirited a manner.” At last, he thought, a true draughtsman had been discovered. It was thus that George Washington Lambert, the master draughtsman of Aus-

tralia, made his debut. Though he has so identified himself with Australia, the artist, strictly speaking, is not an Australian. Born in Petrograd of English and American parents, he landed in Sydney as a stripling. The path of success was not easy. Lambert had a hard battle before he won recognition. One of the outstanding personalities of Sydney, he is just as much at home in London or Paris. Lambert is a true cosmopolitan. Much sought after socially because of his extraordinarily gifted personality—for instance, there> is no better raconteur

than Lambert, and his repertoire includes many stories against himself —and universally admired for his art, he remains quite unspoilt. Some time ago he expressed the hope to me that he would visit New Zealand and make the acquaintance of the Taupo fish, but presumably his work has not permitted the trip. New Zealand artists would welcome the portrait-painter whose art, principally due to “Art in Australia,” is well known on this side of the Tasman. The portrait which won the Archibald Prize and the £560 that goes with it, is thus described:—“Though comparatively small, it is remarkably vigorous. The firm, freely blended flesh tones are well contrasted with the claret-coloured gown and the grey fox fur.” Repose and strength are said to be the dominating characteristics of the study. Mrs. Murdoch’s portrait was the only contribution from this painter. —ERIC RAMSDEN.