Images(2)

Five British biplanes

Artist Hallett Robertson Bartlett (Australian, 1906 - 1989)

Date1919

Object number00027430

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsOverall: 343 x 253 mm, 0.03 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Geoffrey Martin

Terms

DescriptionWatercolour depicting five British aeroplanes by Hallett Robertson Bartlett. The five biplanes are shown in a vertical row with the bottom plane depicted ascending. Handwritten on the reverse of the page is ' To the REO Charles Harris, c/o Mrs G. Harris, 'Brongham' Nelson Street, and Woollahra’ followed by three signatures and a profile portrait of a man. This watercolour was drawn by Hallett Bartlett when thirteen years old and was originally part of a watercolour album. See 00027420 - 00027528.HistoryThis album illustrates, in the popular style of the period, portraits of ships and some aeroplanes; all identified. The ships are mainly those of the Australian coastal trade including merchant and government vessels, troopships and cargo vessels in Sydney Harbour and elsewhere, although many intercontinental vessels on the Australian run are featured. Bartlett has also incorporated company house flags and pennants into the works. The aircraft depicted are those seen in Australian skies at the conclusion of WWI. Hallett Bartlett was born in Young, New South Wales. His father Charles Henry Falkner Hope Bartlett was a distinguished solider and aide-de-camp to the governor-general, the Earl of Dudley. Although not a lot is known about 'Hal' Barlett, anecdotal evidence suggests that he had aspirations to be an architect at a young age. His craftsmanship is clear in these drawings as is his attention to detail shows a clear military influence, possibly from his father's career and WWI. Bartlett himself joined the armed forces first with the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a voluntary reservist and later to the RAAF where he served in the Middle East. After his return to Australia due to an injury sustained during service, little is known about Bartlett or whether he continued with his love of drawing. His brother, Faulkner 'Hope' Bartlett, was a well-known race driver in Australia and New Zealand and there is evidence that Hal Bartlett was also involved in the automobile industry. SignificanceThis album of drawings by Hallett Bartlett reflect the aeroplanes and ships of the WWI era that captured the imagination of young Australians.