Lot 74: John Campbell (1855-1924) South Perth from Kings

John Campbell (1855-1924) South Perth from Kings Park c.1904 Watercolour, pencil and bodycolour 39 x 69cm Exhibited: "Pictorial Magic, Boats on the Swan River" A City of South Perth Fiesta Exhibition 2003 Illustrated: Exhibition catalogue cover (Detail), the above exhibition Most professional standard artists, circa 1900, painted scenic landscapes. Campbell was different, he depicted the urban environment. His work exudes a charm and naivety which lifts it above mere architectural or topographical rendition. He includes people, cars, boats, signage etc. In short, he gives the urban environment life and vibrancy. In this view of Kings Park and South Perth, he depicts the Old Mill, Millers Pool, the Windsor Hotel, Mends Street Jetty, the barge landing on the tip of the South Perth Peninsula as well as sailing boats, a ferry etc. He has also taken great care to accurately depict the roads and buildings of South Perth. The picture is busy with multiple vignettes, or pictures within the main picture. There are two groups of people in the mid ground. The steam paddle ferry glides past and a group of three swans paddle at the shore's edge. Unusually for Campbell, he depicts some landscape showing a sun dappled path winding through the foliage and limestone outcrops and even depicts a small natural spring in the lower right hand corner. References: Barbara Chapman, "The Colonial Eye", Art Gallery of Western Australia publication. McCulloch, "Encyclopedia of Australian Art" Janice Baker, "John Campbell Catalogue and Essay 2003" for the Art Gallery of Western Australia Exhibition Auction catalogue essay, page 33, 30/5/2005