Phil Belbin

Phil Belbin
Born	Phillip Bertram Johstone Belbin 9 August 1925 Beecroft, New South Wales, Australia
Died	1993
Pen name	Humph Fillini Pittsburgh Duke
Occupation	Artist, cartoonist, illustrator, film producer
Nationality	Australian
Period	1940-1974

Phil Belbin (1925–1993) was an Australian artist, illustrator, cartoonist and amateur cinematographer. He is probably best known for creating what soon became known as the "Candy" multi-colour livery for the State Rail Authority in the 1980s. He is still regarded as one of Australia's leading steam enthusiasts, and had an extensive personal collection of several small steam locos; loco name plates; builder's plates and other railway memorabilia. His legacy lives on through his extensive film collection which he took in the final two decades of NSWGR steam.

Phillip Bertram Johnstone Belbin, born in Beecroft, New South Wales on 9 August 1925. Belbin was a descendant of Lieutenant George Johnston, purported to be the first man ashore when the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson in 1788. His great-grandmother, Margaret Peacock, with her husband, George Peacock established the business which was the fore-runner of the Henry Jones-IXL Jam business. His grandmother, Amanda 'Fanny' Johnston, donated £3,000 towards the building of Stanmore station. Belbin's father died when he was only three months old and he was raised by his mother and grandmother in Leura, before the family moved in 1932 to Cremorne Point.

As a young child he was said to have eagerly waited for butcher's deliveries, as he used the white wrapping paper to draw pictures on. Belbin was inspired by the works of Australian artist, Arthur Rackham, and saved money to purchase his books. At the age of eleven he produced his first comic book, Perry Dale. His first published work was a calendar for a metallurgist when he was thirteen. At fourteen he attended classes at the Black and White Club. Belbin studied art at East Sydney Technical College for two years, where his artwork has impressed his teachers and the famous, controversial artist William Dobell. Belbin had further training for one year at Sydney's The Sun newspaper as an intern in 1942. Belbin enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1943 and served with the 77 Squadron, as an armourer, in the Pacific Islands during the Second World War.

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