NUTTALL, Charles (1872-1934)

artist

son of James Charles Nuttall, was born at Fitzroy, Melbourne, on 6 September 1872. He received his art training at the national gallery, Melbourne, and became a contributor of drawings to the Bulletin, Life, and other journals. In 1902 he completed a large monochrome painting of the "Opening of First Commonwealth Parliament". A series of portrait sketches of well-known Australians from studies made for this picture was published in 1902, under the title, Representative Australians. In the same year a small popular book of humorous sketches, Peter Wayback visits the Melbourne Cup, was also published. In 1905 Nuttall went to the United States, joined the staff of the New York Herald, and contributed to Life, The Century, Harper's, and other periodicals. After a tour in Europe he returned to Australia in 1910, and frequently exhibited drawings and etchings at art exhibitions. He also wrote stories and articles, and was establishing a reputation as a broadcaster when he died at Melbourne on 28 November 1934. His wife survived him but there were no children.

Nuttall had a breezy and amiable temperament which brought him many friends. His picture of the opening of the Commonwealth parliament was a commission which he carried out faithfully, but he attached no artistic importance to it. His sketches for it were sensitively felt and have character, his imaginative drawings were often excellent, and he was also a good etcher. He is represented in the national gallery at Melbourne by drawings and etchings. In addition to the publications mentioned, Melbourne Town, containing a series of reproductions of wash drawings of Melbourne, was published in 1933.

The Argus and The Age, Melbourne, 29 November 1934; W. Moore, The Story of Australian Art; personal knowledge.