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A.E. Starkey (Aust., 1869-1927).

Near Narrabeen [NSW]

1895. Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left, 54.3 x 23.9cm. Pinhole to upper right corner, slight soiling. Framed.

This painting was exhibited at the Royal Art Society of NSW in 1895, as referenced in their catalogue.

Sydney-born Alfred Ernest Starkey was the youngest son of a wealthy soft-drink manufacturer who resided at Smithfield Grange, Coogee. He was an active member of the Royal Art Society of NSW from 1894 to 1903, where he exhibited eight oil paintings and thirty watercolours during this period.

His work, which was included in the Federal Art Exhibition held in Adelaide in 1901, was described as being “full of quiet beauty.” A painting by Starkey, alongside other prominent artists like W.C. Piguenit, A. Dattilo-Rubbo, W. Lister Lister, J.W. Tristram, and J.S. Watkins, was included in a presentation album of watercolours to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall during their Australian tour in 1901 by the Royal Art Society of NSW.

Starkey was also an auditor for the Royal Art Society of NSW for several years up to 1925. He owned a number of properties and left a bequest for a scholarship to St Paul’s College, University of Sydney. He died at his home, Gibbah Gunyah, in Manly on 11 December 1927. Ref: Royal Art Society of NSW; University of Sydney; The Advertiser, Nov. 1901; SMH, Dec. 1925; State Library of NSW.

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Item #CL176-114

Price (AUD): $8,800.00  other currencies