Charles Douglas Richardson

Charles Douglas Richardson (7 July 1853 – 15 October 1932) was one of the most gifted sculptors working in Australia at c. 1900. His contemporary Bertram Mackennal was a highly enterprising sculptor, who had a more business-like approach to promoting his work. Richardson's career was based in Australia from 1889 onwards, whereas Mackennal spent most of his working life outside of Australia.

Trained at the Artisans School of Design, Trades Hall, Melbourne and later the National Gallery School, Melbourne and the London Royal Academy Schools, Richardson worked in various media and also exhibited many oils and watercolours. When in London he shared studios for a time with fellow students from Melbourne, Tom Roberts and Bertram Mackennal. Richardson was regarded as one of the most important artists of his generation in Melbourne during the late 1880s and the 1890s. He was discussed by critics as the equal of such artists as Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin. Richardson's works were read as synonymous with the new nationalist school of plein air painters. At c. 1890, Richardson was a close associate of these artists, both personally and professionally. He showed both sculpted and painted "impressions" at the famed 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition, Melbourne August 1889, regarded as one of Australia's first modernist group shows with a manifesto. In c. 1880 he was a ringleader alongside Tom Roberts of student protests at the National Gallery school.

During the first world war he was elected as president of the Victorian Artists Society following dissatisfaction with Max Meldrum and his very vocal core of supporters. Although he was one of the longest serving presidents, Richardson is little remembered by that group.

...
Wikipedia