J.W.F. Stephen letters received from Sydney Long, 1923-1944

MLMSS 6131

fonds

1923-1944

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Prints

119865

0.02 metres of textual material (1 folder) - typescript

Sydney Long, painter and etcher mainly of pastorals and idylls, was born in Goulburn, NSW, in 1871. He achieved success with paintings such as "Pan", "Midday", "Flamingoes" and "Spirit of the Plains". From 1910 to 1921 he was in England where he learned etching. His etchings were much in vogue in Australia in the 1920s and 1930s but with the collapse of the etching boom in the mid-1930s he returned to painting. He won the Wynne Prize for landscape painting in 1938 and 1941. From 1933-1949 he was a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW. He died in 1955.

Eight autograph letters signed by Sydney Long, dated 1928, 1929 and 1944 (with typescript transcriptions).
All are addressed to J.W.F. Stephen, an avid collector of Long's etchings. Topics covered include Long's production of prints and oils, etching techniques, his relationships with Stephen and Sydney Ure Smith, his business affairs, his success as a conservative oil painter in the 1940s, his views on specific etchings, proposed exhibitions and the preparation for a book of etchings.
In addition there is one etching of kookaburras as a 1923 Christmas card sent to Stephen. There are also four other Christmas cards sent to Stephen (1929, 1930, 1938, n.d.) with photochemical prints by Long and a signed print of 'Flamingoes'.

Copyright status:: In copyright
Research & study copies allowed: Commercial use requires permission of the copyright holder