Press Centre

Media Release
12/08/2001

Morning Tea with Frederick McCubbin at Como

The life and work of Frederick McCubbin, ‘The Proff’, one of Australia's most famous artists was released yesterday morning at a special ceremony at the historic National Trust property, Como Historic House and Garden, in South Yarra.

Charles McCubbin, grandson of the artist, officially released the details of Frederick McCubbin on the educational website, In the Artist’s Footsteps, created by Melbourne Internet and Communications company medialaunch Pty. Ltd.

Members of the McCubbin family were joined by descendants of Tom Roberts, Walter Withers, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton, May Vale, Elizabeth Parsons and others for the special event. Several artists were painting and sketching in the grounds at Como in recognition of the major contribution Frederick McCubbin and his wife Annie made to art in Australia.

Mr Ron Smith, Managing Director of medialaunch said, Como Historic House was chosen to release the information on Frederick McCubbin as he spent the last ten years of his life living next door to the historic mansion. It was from the verandah of this house in Kensington Road, South Yarra that he painted his last painting "Yarra River from Kensington Road", which is now held in a private collection.

Shirley Baynes-Smith, Managing Editor of In the Artist’s Footsteps said the release of the Frederick McCubbin section of the website adds to the collection of famous artists on the website.

Ms Baynes-Smith said, "special attention has been given to the years McCubbin spent at Mount Macedon with the site including photographs of the historic Fontainebleau home that McCubbin discovered in the summer of 1900. From here he produced such famous works as the triptych ‘The Pioneer’ 1904, now housed in the National Gallery of Victoria."

Art historian Andrew Mackenzie, Curator of the website and Frederick McCubbin’s Biographer, said Frederick McCubbin had extremely close friendships with Heidelberg School Artists, Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton. Frederick McCubbin played a major role as both an artist and a teacher encouraging many young artists during his period as Drawing Master at the National Gallery School.

Mr Mackenzie said that the release of the new information including letters and photographs of the artist and his family provide a major educational resource for students and art lovers across Australia and worldwide.

Frederick McCubbin suffering from ill health in 1916 was given six months leave absence from the National Gallery School. On 20 December 1917, aged 62, he died from a heart attack at his home ‘The Studio’ 42 Kensington Road, South Yarra.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith (03) 98185700, 0417 329 201

Left: Arthur Streeton - Above Us The Great Grave Sky, 1890
Collection: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.