Norman Lindsay

Norman Alfred William Lindsay (22 February 1879 – 21 November 1969) was an Australian artist, etcher, sculptor, writer, art critic, novelist, cartoonist, and amateur boxer. He was one of the most well-known and popular Australian artists of his time. Many of his works included elements inspired by nature and old stories, which some people thought were unusual or shocking.

Lindsay was very proud of his Australian identity and often wrote and spoke about what he believed was important in Australian culture. He worked for a famous magazine called The Bulletin and shared his strong opinions about art, especially against new styles that were becoming popular.

One of his most loved works is a book he wrote and illustrated called The Magic Pudding in 1918. This fun story about a magic pudding that never runs out has become a classic in Australian children’s books.

Lindsay was also known for his lively and free-spirited personality. He often spoke out against strict rules and ideas about right and wrong. A movie called Sirens from 1994 shows some of his adventures, with actor Sam Neill playing him. The house where he lived in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, is now a place where people can learn about his life and see his artwork. It is called the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum and is looked after by the National Trust of Australia.

Early life

Norman Lindsay was born in Creswick, Victoria. He was the son of Robert Charles William Alexander Lindsay and Jane Elizabeth Lindsay. Lindsay had several siblings, including Percy Lindsay, Lionel Lindsay, Ruby Lindsay, and Daryl Lindsay.

Career

In 1895, Lindsay moved to Melbourne to work on a local magazine with his brother Lionel. In 1901, he joined the staff of the Sydney Bulletin, where he worked for fifty years.

Lindsay created the beloved children’s book The Magic Pudding in 1918. He was a talented artist, working in many styles such as pen drawing, etching, watercolour, and oil. He was very productive, often creating art in the morning, working on sculptures in the afternoon, and writing novels in the evening. Lindsay also made model ships and designed many items for his home.

Reception

Norman Lindsay’s artwork often stirred strong feelings. Some critics found his bold and expressive nudes too shocking, calling them inappropriate or overly sensational. Others admired the detail and emotion in his drawings, praising how he captured the human form with care and individuality.

In 1940, Lindsay sent many of his artworks to the United States for safety during the war. Sadly, the train carrying the pieces caught fire, and the works were destroyed by officials who thought they were improper. Despite this loss, Lindsay remained determined and continued creating more art.

Personal life

Norman Lindsay married Catherine (Kate) Agatha Parkinson in Melbourne on 23 May 1900. They had three sons: Jack, born in 1900, Raymond in 1903, and Philip in 1906. The couple divorced in 1918, and Norman later married Rose Soady, who helped manage his business and often posed for his artwork.

After their parents divorced, Jack grew up to be a well-known publisher and writer, while Philip wrote historical novels and worked in films. Sadly, Philip passed away in 1958 and Raymond in 1960.

Death

Lindsay is buried in Springwood Cemetery in Springwood, close to Faulconbridge where he lived.

Legacy

A lot of Norman Lindsay’s artwork is kept in his old home in Faulconbridge, New South Wales, which is now called the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum. Many of his pieces are also in private and company collections. His art keeps getting more valuable over time. In 2002, one of his paintings named Spring's Innocence sold for A$333,900 to the National Gallery of Victoria, which was a very high price at that time.

Oral History

In 1965, artist Norman Lindsay shared his thoughts on his art, what inspired him, and his other interests in life with an interviewer named Keith Adam. You can listen to this conversation at the National Library of Australia.

Fictional portrayals

The first major screen adaptation of Norman Lindsay's literary works was the 1953 British film Our Girl Friday, based on his 1934 novel The Cautious Amorist. In 1969, the Australian-British co-production Age of Consent, adapted from Lindsay's 1938 novel, was the last full-length feature film directed by Michael Powell and starred James Mason and Helen Mirren in her first credited movie role.

In 1994, Sam Neill played a version of Lindsay in John Duigan's Sirens, filmed at Lindsay's Faulconbridge home. This film marked the debut of Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson.

In 1972, five of Lindsay's novels were adapted for TV by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. These included Halfway to Anywhere, Redheap, A Curate in Bohemia, The Cousin from Fiji, and Dust or Polish. Unfortunately, many of these TV programs are no longer available today.

Works

Norman Lindsay wrote many novels, including A Curate in Bohemia, Redheap, and The Magic Pudding. He also created children's books, poetry illustrations, and essays about art. Some of his works were turned into movies.

His autobiography, My Mask, was published after his death. Several books have been written about his life and work by other authors.