No Place Quite Like It: The Family History of Walter Withers and Fanny Flinn
- ISBN-10
- 0645099007
- ISBN-13
- 9780645099003
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2021-11
- Author
- David Rathgen
Description
Walter H Withers was an Australian landscape painter of the Heidelberg school, a friend of Fred McCubbin, Tom Roberts and many others. In this book the 250 year history of the Withers' tailoring business is explored to find how and why Withers chose to become a painter against the wishes of his Victorian father, a successful and rich rope manufacturer. The influence of his grandfather is newly explored, his father's private art collection freshly examined. The combination of grandfather and father helps us understand more about what drove Walter Withers to paint.For the art historian there is new ground to consider. For the genealogist here is an example of how to turn raw data into a story. "This is a valuable contribution to the social and artistic history of Australia" - John Lyon."I was impressed by your research" - Andrew Mackenzie, OAM, Australian art historian."The family members, [are] beautifully described. With professionally researched information the environment and culture in which they lived at the time is colourfully done." Malcolm Swaine, Secretary, Phillip Island and District Genealogical Society."A very thorough and good read" - Pamela Rothfield, formerly Mayor of Bass Coast Shire, Secretary Phillip Island Historical Society."Thanks to this publication we now know a great deal more about the lives of Walter and Fanny Withers and of their children and importantly of their past." - Andrew Mackenzie, OAM"David has produced a book painstakingly researched that will prove invaluable for the Withers Family, future Australian Art Historians and Art Students to enjoy." Eileen M Mackley AM, President, Victorian Artist Society.
