The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Depicts the exterior of the Australian War Memorial, viewed from the front steps, with a number of people entering the Memorial. Robert Emerson Curtis (1899 - 1996) was born in Croydon, England and his family migrated to Australia, settling in Stanthorpe, Queensland. Both his parents painted and, for a time, Curtis studied art via correspondence. In 1918, he moved to Brisbane where he worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for the 'Brisbane Mail'. This work funded a trip to the United States in 1922, where he studied art and undertook various commissions. It was during this time that he developed an interest in the industrial expansion occurring in Chicago. He was also influenced by the work of Joseph Pennell, an American lithographer and draughtsman, who studied industry and drew links between people and machines. Curtis returned to Australia in 1928, in time to record the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In 1940, Curtis he gained permission from the Department of Information to depict activities in Commonwealth munition and aircraft factories. A selection of these drawings were reproduced in the 'Sydney Morning Herald', adding to Curtis' reputation as an artist interested in industry and commerce. In 1941, he joined the Department of Home Security, where he worked as a Camouflage Officer and was accredited for service with the RAAF. He was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea and seized every opportunity to record the activities of the Australian and American troops. In January 1945, Curtis accepted an appointment as an official war artist. He covered the civil and industrial war effort in Australia, as well as the activities of the service organisations.
Depicts a view of the Australian War Memorial, viewed from the tree covered slopes of Mt. Ainslie, looking across towards Old Parliament House. Robert Emerson Curtis (1899-1996) was born in Croydon, E
Depicts a drawing of the inside of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Depicts a view of the Australian War Memorial, viewed from the tree covered slopes of Mt. Ainslie, looking across towards Old Parliament House. Robert Emerson Curtis (1899-1996) was born in Croydon, E
War charities bazaar makes its appeal outside Mulgrave Mill, North Queensland. From August 1945 in his capacity as official war artist Emerson Curtis undertook a three month tour of Queensland. Travel
Depicts a drawing of a group of miners waiting to go underground, Mt Isa, Queensland. From August 1945 in his capacity as official war artist Emerson Curtis undertook a three month tour of Queensland.
A green pyramid of copper concentrate, preparatory to smelting. From Mt Isa in the far north west of Queensland came a steady supply of melted copper to meet the demands of war. From August 1945 in hi
The lighthouse throws its beam over the Coral Sea and returns, after four years, to its peacetime coat of paint. From August 1945 in his capacity as official war artist Emerson Curtis undertook a thre
Atherton Tableland was, for a long period of the war, a vast camp area and hundreds of thousands of troops passed through the various camps. From August 1945 in his capacity as official war artist Eme