Kalgoorlie Colours and Shades 1993

The venue was the old Miners Building in Hannan Street. My inspiration for these series of paintings was the pioneering spirit of the early West Australians and the grit and determination of the miners, in finding their lives in the isolation of Kalgoorlie. I was invited to research from old newspapers that were in the basement of the Kalgoorlie Miner Building.
Title: 1927 Kalgoorlie Miner - Oil on Canvas

I can remember the excitment of finding these historic documents, and became engrossed in their daily lives, especially to discover their social lives so busy and full of many cultural and sporting events. Many bike races were very popular, hundreds of riders would gather in Hannan St. The Exhibition in 1993 was on the top floor of the Miners Building (the local paper being still produced from the same location).

Title: 1899 Exchange Hotel - Oil on Canvas

The Palace Hotel owner had a very attractive verandah around all the building, and it could be imagined people sitting in the cool shade having a drink and chatting about the latest gold finds. People still talk about the current gold price over the bar.

Title:1903 Palace Hotel - Oil on Canvas

Water was a very precious, but the making of beer, was a priority for all those dusty mouths and aching limbs. This is as close to production as they could manage, even though the demand was unlimited. At least the delivery was not very far.
Title 1907 Standard Brewery - Oil on Canvas

This hardy trio of trappers with their glinty eyed dogs provided fresh meat for the expanding gold mining town of Kalgoorlie.
Title 1904 Three Rabbiters - Oil on Canvas



This character typifies the 'tough spirit' of the earlier pioneers.
Wood was a scarce commodity, for fires and cooking, especially once the local 'on hand supply' was easily used. Enterprising Abrahams made him self a valueable member of the mining community.
Title 1906 Armless Abrahams - Oil on Canvas




This was the best mode of travel and carrying of goods in the dry inland, the camels were plentiful, as a legacy from the arab traders. Notice how they dressed in their 'Sunday Best' for the occasion.
Title 1905 The Wilson Family - Oil on Canvas




After the rains, the everlasting sprang to life in the desert areas. What a better way to take the dog out for the day and enjoy a family outing. Note how high the flowers were surrounding the family dog.
1900 Goldfields Picnic - Oil on Canvas



Later in the century homes were being established, even thought building materials were scarce. This would be a typical scene of the husband coming home for lunch on his bike, while the dog entertains us by sitting up and holding a pipe in this mouth.
Title: 1921 Miners House - Oil on Canvas



Tennis for this group was the way to spend their time was relaxing by hitting a ball around the courts. I'm not sure about the date for this painting.  It was the era of blazers for the men and stylish hats for the women.
Title 1900 Tennis Players - Oil on Canvas




Racing day was a big event on the social calendar, as it still is today, the racing stand still exists. The ladies enjoyed dressing in their best to lean on the picket fence, that divided the public from the horses.
Title 1910 Steeple Chase - Oil on Canvas





What a great day to 'drop you daks' and jump in with your mates, and have your photo taken. No shyness, just 'good fun' for the boys.
Title 1917 Kalgoorlie Bathers - Oil on Canvas




This must have been a very proserous business with a team for four horses to do the deliveries. How proud the men look with their long white aprons, alongside their horse and covered carriages.
Title 1911 Bricknell Grocery - Oil on Canvas





The poultry markets, must have been very early in the morning, to avoid the dust, heat and flies. Plenty of choice, for a Sunday roast.
Title 1914 Poultry Markets - Oil on Canvas