Bathers parading on Bondi Beach (three of six murals)

Artist David Henry Souter (1862 - 1935)

Date1919 -1934

Object number00055526

NameMural

MediumOil paints on wood panel.

DimensionsOverall: 15.5 kg
Overall: 610 x 2,687 x 55 mm,

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection funded by Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation

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DescriptionThree of six murals of various themes painted by David Henry Souter between 1920 and 1934 that hung on the walls of the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. This panel depicts women and children in bathing suits at Bondi Beach in 1914.HistoryHenry Souter, along with artists such as Sydney Long and Norman and Lionel Lindsay was part of a movement known as the Australian Classical revivalists that blended classical figures and pagan spirits with Australian landscapes. Their work was closely linked with the nationalism of the pre-Federation and post WW1 periods. This panel depicts women and children in bathing suits at Bondi Beach in 1914. Note that the scene is populated solely by female swimmers, with the exception of a lone disabled male beach-goer who is presumably ineligible for war service. The Bondi murals are bold and evocative, all five panels combined, reflect themes including heroism, defence, militarism, self-sacrifice, the surf-life saving movement and beach culture in Australia.SignificanceWith his military and surf lifesaving background, Henry Souter was ideally placed to draw on these Australian themes of heroism to create these monumental panels. The works depict themes which have helped to shape our national identity – the diggers at Gallipoli, bush pioneers, the bronzed surfer, and a fit and healthy population enjoying their leisure at the beach.