not titled [sketch of three soldiers sitting down at a desk] Accession Number: AWM2021.753.15

Description

Sketch of three soldiers sitting down at a desk.

This series of artworks were made by artist Richard Haughton (Jimmy) James (1906-1985). NX150789 Lieutenant James signed up at age 36 and served with the Commonwealth Citizens Forces from 28 October 1942 through to 27 January 1943 and then transferred over to the Australian Imperial Forces from 28 January 1943 through to 2 May 1945. He served in Darwin and Thursday Island with the First Australian Army Camouflage Training Unit. His sketches record the daily life of soldiers in this environment.
Born in England in 1906, James arrived in Australia in 1939 after studying paining, graphics and industrial design in London, Paris and Rotterdam. He was an active member of many art societies and was appointed senior creative director with J. Walter Thompson Australia Pty. Ltd - the nation’s biggest advertising agency at the time. He was a fellow of the royal Society of Artists and founded the Deign Centre with Geoff and Dahl Collings, and wrote for Sydney Ure Smiths' 'Australia: National Journal'. He defended the work of the contemporary Art Society and joined Ure Smith in launching the Design and Industries Association of Australia in 1940. In 1944 he appeared as a witness for (Sir) William Dobell in the Supreme Court case initiated to overturn his winning of the Archibald prize. In 1946 he joined the Victorian Artists Society and then founded and edited the Australian Artist 1947-49. He was the first president (1948-55) if the Society of Designers for industry, and also president (1965-67) of the National Gallery Society.
In 1964 after he had established the advertising agency Briggs Canny James & Paramor Pty Ltd which was acquired by the major international firm Foote Cone & Belding he devoted himself to painting. His work is represented in the art galleries of NSW and Victoria. Haughton died on the 12 July 1985 at South Caulfield Victoria.

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