Dermont Hellier is one of Australia’s best known painters, famous particularly for his contemprary and historical street scenes, but also very well known for fine landscapes like this one.
Hellier studied at the NGV school with Thomas Wheeler and Septimus Power. He had earlier studied (at the age of 9 years) under the Scottish artist Sarah Kyle. During WW2 he was an official war artist, serving in Australia and New Guinea.
many prizes and awards included the Bright, Albury, Mornington and Shepparton Prizes.
Commisions for paintings and murals included six paintings of the area by the Gold Coast City Council.
Hellier exhibited widely in Australia, also successfully in London (Qantas galleries).
Represented: Queensland Art gallery; regional collections including Albury, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Geelong Galleries. Also in the HRH the Queen Mother’s collection at Clarence House, London and many private collections in Australia and overseas.
A widely collected and respected Australian master.
References:
A very well listed artist, refer to McCulloch, Alan and Susan. Encyclopedia of Australian Art. 3rd Edition, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 1994. Page 332. Germaine, Max. Artists and Galleries of Australia, Third Edition. Craftsman Press, Sydney, 1990. Page 303. Also referenced in numerous art journals over the years, and international Who’s Who volumes and directories.