Australian Sculling Champions
1908. Group of six pen and ink drawings with pencil, each titled and signed “Pas”, most dated “1908” lower left and right, sizes range from 28 x 20.8cm to 45 x 22.6cm. Stains, soiling and crinkles; one with missing portions and tears. The scullers represented in the group are all Australian champions: Bill Beach (1850–1935), Peter Kemp (1853–1921), Elias Laycock (1845–1938), Mick Rush (1844–1922), Henry Searle (1866–1889) and Jim Stanbury (1868–1945). All but one sculler, Searle who died tragically young from typhoid, were alive when these drawings were completed. “Between 1876 and 1907 Australia dominated international professional sculling for 22 of those 31 years and produced seven of the nine world champions. Factors, such as a mild climate, abundant waterways and the healthy lifestyle favoured by a succession of prime athletes, together with generous backers, have been attributed to the Australian domination. While these factors contributed to Australian superiority, concepts such as class, cultural imperialism and organisation and control played an even greater role in determining Australia’s domination of the sport…Enthusiasm for sculling led to the formation of several rowing clubs along the Parramatta River, chief of which was the Sydney Rowing Club.” Ref: Canada Bay Heritage. Donald MacDonald a.k.a. Pas was one of the “finest caricaturists of the early 20th century to freelance his work to several magazines and newspapers in Australia and New Zealand. The scope of his work was not restricted to a particular theme, but he was particularly noted for his caricatures of theatre personnel.” His work was illustrated in Sydney Sportsman. Ref: Theatre Heritage Australia.
Item #CL206-26
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