William Burton | Murchison River, Western Australia | SOLD
(Fishing on the Murchison River near Kalbarri c 1900)
Oil on academy board
31 x 47 cm
Housed in the original frame, presumably made by the artist
Inscribed on the back of the frame ‘Mr W Burton’
SOLD
William Burton (1869-1943)
Also known as ‘Bill The Painter’ was artist, framer, painter and decorator and sign-writer based in Boulder near Kalgoorlie Western Australia. His first known address according to the Kalgoorlie Argus was Piesse Street. During this period he exhibited at several local art and industry exhibitions in the Kalgoorlie area. The Kalgoorlie Argus in November 1906 states “Burton made a choice display of picture frames and exhibits of the painters art” He is described as one of the oldest established painters in town.
By 1915, Burton relocated to Burt street Boulder and had sold his business to his employees of many years, Hatton and Horsman (Kalgoorlie Miner 21st November 1916 page 2) It seems that he meet his wife Louisa J Scherini around this time. According to the Marriage register, they were married in 1916 in the Swan District of Perth. This would account for his move to the capital.
A death notice for Louisa Burton was issued on the 28th of May 1928 “late of Boulder and of 236 James street and devoted wife of William Burton, Painter” ( The West Australian 28TH may 1928 page 1 )
No doubt in his grief, Burton changed the city life for the country. His death notice in 1943 in the Mullewa Mail states:
“Mr William Burton passed away at the Mullewa District hospital on Wednesday July 16th. The deceased, who was of an advanced age, was popularly known in the district as ‘Bill the painter’ he had resided at Mullewa for the past 12 years, and was formerly a well-known tradesman at Kalgoorlie” (Mullewa Mail – 23rd July 1943- PAGE 1)
