John D. McLeod
(1877- 1947)
John D. McLeod, (also spelt M’Leod and MacLeod) was a teacher, painter, sculptor and illustrator. He came to WA in 1906 to teach art at Fremantle Technical School and with like minded ‘long-haired Raphaels’ he founded the short-lived Fremantle Art Club. In later life he became well known as a sculptor and made the famous Paddy Hannan memorial in Kalgoorlie. He was also President of the Australian Fellowship of Writers, WA (AFWWA) in 1942.
John Dominic McLeod born in Sago Hill, Trunk Lead, near Ballarat, Victoria. His father was Angus McLeod (1834-1910) and mother, Mary McMahon. (reference)
John had one brother Angus McLeod (1874-1934) who came to WA first, in 1896, where he married Henrietta Gay (1870-1917) in 1900, in Boulder. They lived in South Terrace (1903) and Moss Street (1906), Fremantle. Angus opened a tailors shop at 69-71 High Street (now 49-59) in 1902 and worked there until his death in 1934. They lived in Spearwood from 1916 with children: Frances Jean (1900-1943), Norman Angus (1902-1902), Allan Gay McLeod (1902- 1991) and Ernest (1905-1997).
Technical arts education began in Western Australia in May 1900 when Perth Technical School began to teach ‘applied’ arts. The Fremantle Technical School on the corner of South Terrace and Essex St, Fremantle was opened 10 November 1903, offering chemistry and assaying courses. On the site was a stone building (c 1877) which had been first the Infant and Girls school. In 1901 the building was transformed into the Fremantle Technical School with a number of galvanized iron buildings on the site. It wasn’t until 1913 that the two story red brick building now on the site, was opened. (reference) The Technical school in Fremantle suffered in 1904 when the Railway workshops were transferred to Midland, and the school lost many of its best trades students. (reference)
Perhaps this led to a decision to focus on the Applied arts subjects? James Linton was head of arts at Perth Technical School and it was probably under his direction that in 1906, John McLeod, aged 29, was engaged to teach drawing, design and painting at Fremantle Technical School. (reference)
2 May 1906 Art students will doubtless be pleased to read that it has been decided to open ‘Art Classes’ in connection with the Fremantle Technical School, under the tutorship of Mr. J. D. M'Leod. Classes will be held every evening, commencing Sunday, May 7, in freehand drawing, drawing from cast and design painting. All information concerning time-table and fees can be obtained from Mr. M'Leod, Fremantle. (reference)
McLeod was a graduate of the Ballarat School of Art (years 1896-1898), which had been founded with ambitious hopes of modelling itself on the great art schools of England, and proudly wanted ‘to establish a great central art school for the district where a sound knowledge of decorative, as well as pictorial art may be obtained, and where, as the present Art Gallery will aid the one, a projected industrial art museum will aid the School of Design and Art.’ (reference)
McLeod arrived just in time to join a proposed Fremantle Art Club. In the previous May, 1905, an art exhibition was held in the Fremantle Town Hall, for the purpose of bringing together the artists in the district. Works had been loaned for the display but there was also a selection of work by local artists: D. Carlton, C. Charlton, Miss A. Chidlow, Miss Lillingston, V. Brown, Miss Benham, Swinton Weston, Mr. J. E. Millar, Mr. Stanway Tapp, Miss Eda Wilson, Mr. Alexander Doepel… (reference)
18 May 1906 Fremantle Art Club. A meeting was held last evening in Fremantle for the purpose of forming a club for the encouragement and promotion of art. A committee consisting of Messrs. D. Carlton, W. F. Ramage, H. B. Wright, and J. Anderson was appointed, with Mr. H. Warwick as hon. secretary and treasurer. Intending members and all interested can obtain full particulars from the hon. secretary, 31 Henry-street, Fremantle. (reference)
30 June 1906. The initial general meeting of the Fremantle Art Club was held in their committee rooms, Henry-street. Mr. J. B. G. Anderson presided over members; W. F. Ramage, M. C. Donald, H. Warwick (secretary), H. B. Wright, and J.D. M’Leod, who proposed that the aims of the club be (a) meetings of the members; (b) Lectures and discussion of papers by members, or their friends; (c) Life class and exhibition of work. (reference)
Life Drawing classes were an important object of such a club, giving them a gravity that otherwise might be frowned upon in polite society. ‘Drawing from the living model’ was one of the main aims of other ‘art societies’, such as one connected to the Sydney School of Design in 1870. (reference) In 1899 the Ballarat Technical Art School had ‘drawing from the living model’ classes –with models of all ages… (reference) and in 1899, the WA Society of Arts assembled every Monday night to draw from the living model. (reference)
The Fremantle Art Club didn’t seem to have any female members and in the mind of the conservative public- a ‘living model’ could easily mean a nude or near nude model- and therefore-scandal. McLeod worked hard to establish his reputation as a professional. The Chairman of the Technical College Board, Mr. J. J. Higham, was invited to introduce McLeod, ‘art master of the Fremantle Technical School’ at a series of free, popular, lectures on historical art, he gave in August, September and October of 1906. (reference)
Using lantern slides to illustrate, McLeod delivered the lectures every second Friday evening at the school on South Terrace. The titles of the lectures were: 'Art and Life’, 'The Periclean Age of Athens', 'Early Christian Art, Romanesque and, Byzantine’, ‘Gothic Architecture', 'Giotto and the Builders of Florence', and 'The Renaissance Movement of the 15th Century’. (reference) These lectures were in stark contrast to other lectures given at the school - such as Mr. Watson’s lecture in September 1906 on ‘modern sanitary methods’… (reference)
However despite McLeods respectable contribution- there seemed to be trouble brewing about using a life model, and the press took great delight in teasing the club members as a scandal ensued when the model expected payment for her services:
Sunday Times, Sept 1906- The Fremantle Art Club is again in tears, they say, and the artists don't patronise the studio much nowadays, all because of an understanding with a fair tottie who acted as model. From what can be gathered from the warriors of the pen and brush, they don't owe the tottie any brass for sittings, but she says different, and hangs round the door at the top of the stairs and pounces upon the first that comes along… (reference)
Evening Mail, Oct 1906- Where Is the Art Club ? What ails the artist community of Fremantle- or is there such a community? 'Tis not so many months ago since there was inaugurated "Art Club" by some wild youths, with visions of a graceful form posing on the pedestal- built for the occasion. But a Perth paper published some remarks re the above institution, and of course this put (to use the flowery language of the poets) the damper on it. As time dragged slowly on, the disciples of Raphael and Van Dyke lost heart and became despondent, in consequence of which they tired of paying their shilling a week, and determined to lay it out to better advantage, and sink it in beer. One or two, or maybe three, enthusiastic "smudgers" hung on, and one may, even to this day, when passing down the main street, see a forlorn and haggard face gazing from an upstair window, tired of dabbing colors of brilliant line on large canvas, and evidently looking out for the fair model who never comes. (reference)
Sunday Times, Nov 1906- The Fremantle Art Club is at last a thing, of the past, and no more do the long-haired Raphaels, hang about the steps and dodge the alleged model. It took a long time to satisfy the latter, that her term of employment was at an end and all, remarks about the general deadness of the club were received by her with snorts of unbelief. It wasn't until the house agent lobbed along with the key that she was satisfied that the Art Club was in an advanced stage of decomposition.. Anyhow, she hung around the stairs for a long, time, breathing threats (and gin)… (reference)
Sunday Times 16 Dec 1906- The Fremantle Art Club has passed into the realms of all busted propositions, and now nothing is left but the beautiful sign painted by one of the long-haired disciples of Raphael. But if this is but the shadow of the departed great, it is consoling to know that there is some substance left. This is evidence in the person of the fairylike model, who simply WON'T go away…(reference)
Sunday Times 3 Mar 1907 The ‘Fremantle Art Club' is finally dead and mostly, buried now, and there remains at present none-but the reject model to shed salt water over its grave… (reference)
1907 This ‘scandal’ was probably quite an embarrassment to Johns older, and polar-opposite, brother Angus, a successful tailor on High St. Angus at this time was President of the Australian Natives Association (ANA) in Fremantle, and a prominent business man in the Port, serving on the Fremantle Roads Board for 12 years and then as a Justice of the Peace in the Fremantle courts. The ANA was opposed to Chinese labor and In 1908 Angus was rebuked for fanning untruths about the opium trade, and the ‘clandestine’ entry of Chinese into Western Australia. (reference)
Like many families; members involved in the business world often struggle to understand their artist siblings- and one of the ways to connect the two- is to emphasise the possible commercial aspect of art-making. Perhaps conscious of his brother John’s work, Angus McLeod proclaimed that the aims of the ANA also included artists - or as he preferred to call them ’artisans’:
"Another chap we are after is the Australian artisan -we are booming his handiwork; why shouldn't he join and help to boom his brother mechanics' work ? Every businessman who benefits by the sale of Australian-made goods is going to join -we want them all ! (reference)
Despite the teasing of the Press, the Fremantle Art Club persevered:
19 November 1907 An exhibition organised by the Fremantle Art Club, was opened by the Minister for Works (Mr. J. Price) yesterday afternoon. The exhibits were displayed on the walls of one of the classrooms of the Technical School, South-terrace, and they were inspected by a large number of appreciative spectators during the day… Some very clever portrait work is shown by the Misses F. A. Fuller and Daisy Rossi, and Mr. J. D. M'Leod… Some very good work is being exhibited by Fremantle artists, those contributing being Messrs. D.Carlton, Hal Warwick, and J. D. M’Leod. (reference)
On 11 June 1908 the Fremantle Art Club held what seems to have been their last event; they organised a public talk ‘Two Modern Painters- Corot and Whistler’, which was given by McLeod, at the Fremantle Town Hall. (reference)
In 1909 McLeod took on more of an administrative role at the Fremantle Technical School and invited Pietro Porcelli, a young sculptor around the same age as John, and who was becoming very well known, to join the teaching staff… (reference)
5 July 1909 The starting of further additional classes in connection with the Fremantle Technical School, is now announced. These now include wood-carving, book-keeping, commercial subjects, dresscutting; elementary course engine-driving, French; German, mathematics, mechanical-drawing, millinery, plumbing, shorthand typewriting, woodworking for seniors and juniors. New classes are also forming for nursing, wool-classing modelling and cookery…all particulars may be obtained from the secretary, Mr. J. D. M'Leod. (reference)
McLeod obviously revered the Classics. In 1910 he again lectured, with the aid of lantern slides, on 'Greek Art in Age of Pericles’, showing the progress of architecture in its various stages. (reference)
In 1911 John was made Superintendent of the Technical School as classes at the school increased. (reference) However by the end of 1911- McLeod resigned.
At the Fremantle Technical School on Wednesday evening a presentation was made by the chairman of the board of directors (Mr. J. J. Higham), on behalf of the board, the school staff, and others, to Mr. J.D. McLeod, on the occasion of his retirement from the superintendency of the school. The presentation took the form of a leather wallet and a purse of sovereigns, together, with a letter of appreciation on vellum. In handing the tokens of their respect and esteem to Mr. McLeod the chairman paid a high tribute to his work on behalf of the school, his energy and enterprise having done much towards the success of the institution. It is Mr. McLeod's intention to proceed to Europe to study art. (reference)
After he left the Technical School reverted to teaching Trades and the Arts disappeared. Until 1912 McLeod lived at 70 Ellen St, Fremantle. It is presumed he travelled but there is no evidence he left the country. He was 35 years old- perhaps too old to enlist to fight in WW1?
In 1914 John McLeod moved to Perth and began to work as a designer. He worked on a tourist brochure Westralia’s Wonderland - decorating the reproductions of J. H. MacDougall’s illustrations of the Jenolan caves around Yallingup. Working on this project allowed him to explore the importance of illustration to writing. (reference)
In 1917 John D. McLeod lived at 158 Goderich St, Perth and worked as a Draftsman.
In 1917 he wrote about the life and work of Rodin for the Western Mail (reference) and by 1920 he was writing the ‘Art’ column for the Globe. Using lantern slides, McLeod continued to lecture; presenting ‘two modern sculptors, Rodin and Gilbert’ to the WA Society of Arts, at the University of WA… (reference) Although the themes of his lectures may have seemed elitist, John ‘s lectures were always free to the public;
June 1925 - An illustrated lecture on 'Art of the Periclean Age’ will be given by Mr. J. MacLeod in the chemistry lecture room of the University of Western Australia, admission free.. (reference) He repeated this lecture for the Leederville Men’s Class in August 1925. (reference)
In 1922 McLeod explained the different techniques of ‘Etchings’ and various works on display, at Messrs Sandovers and Co’s gallery. (reference) He was active in the artistic life of Perth, joining the WA Society for the Arts, and was mentioned in their 1923 exhibition: with water colour pieces titled ‘Open Country’ and ‘Rain in the Hills’. (reference)
McLeod also became involved with the University Art Club and participated in their exhibition at the Industries Hall, Barrack St. Janda Gooding has described this group as ‘established landscape painters’.
Oct 1925 The annual exhibition by the WA Society, of Arts, which was opened by his Excellency the Governor (Sir William Campion) in the Perth Town Hall… A bright, cheerful piece of colour is shown by J. McLeod’s 'Donald's-road, Mokine,' and the same artist is represented by a portrait 'A Sunlit Smile’, direct in treatment and with a dainty sense of colour. (reference)
By 1927 McLeod was receiving some success as a sculptor, and began to receive commissions, including a marble bust of Dr. Sydney Montgomery, Inspector-General of the Insane Asylum, at Claremont. (reference)
1929 was a brilliant year for McLeod. He designed and modelled the bronze centenary plaque for Perth Town Hall (see photo of the tablet being cast).
On August 12, the hundredth anniversary of the founding of Perth, a tablet of statuary bronze, will be unveiled on the Barrack-street wall of the Town Hall. The tablet which is 4ft. 6in x 5ft. and weighs 448lbs, is being made at the foundry of James and Co. Ltd., Charles-street, to the design prepared to their details by Mr. J. McLeod, sculptor, of Perth. It is noteworthy that the whole of the work is being done locally, no money being spent outside the State. The design of the tablet is noted for its simplicity and dignity, fully in keeping with the significance of the occasion which it commensurates. Besides the reproduction of Mr Pitt-Morison's painting, ‘The Founding of Perth’ the tablet bears pictures of the first and present Mayor of Perth, together with the names of the Town Clerk, and Councillors now in office. (reference).
In the same year McLeod was also given the commission for the Paddy Hannan Memorial in Kalgoorlie. In April 1929 it was decided by a Goldfields committee, to celebrate the States centenary, by calling for ideas in a competition for the best memorial to Paddy Hannan. The prize went to 14 yr old Keith Craig for his suggestion to erect a drinking fountain showing Hannan in typical prospecting garb and carrying a water bag from which ‘precious water flowed’. (reference) Messrs Baker and Mathews, monument contractors in Perth were entrusted with the work and chose McLeod to prepare the design and statue. (reference)
“A fine and striking likeness of Paddy Hannan, is that modelled by Artist J. McLeod, of Perth… The resemblance to Paddy Hannan is the more wonderful when it is considered that McLeod never saw his subject alive, alert, and in the flesh…” (reference)
5 September 1929 In typical Goldfields sunshine a great crowd gathered at the Kalgoorlie Town Hall corner, when his Excellency the State Governor, Sir William Campion, unveiled the memorial fountain erected by public subscription to the memory of the late ‘Paddy’ Hannan… The Governor then descended from the platform to partake of the first drink from the fountain, when an amusing incident occurred. Just as his Excellency bent over for a drink, some small boy evidently put his foot down heavily upon the pedal, which acts as a tap, and immediately a strong stream of water gushed up, thoroughly drenching the Governor, who, however, joined heartily in the laughter…(reference)
Oct 1929 The life size figure was modelled in clay by Mr. MacLeod, of Commercial Bank Chambers, and the bronze statue has been faithfully carried out by Messrs. Wunderlich Limited, at their Perth factory- once again proving that local skill and craftmanship is equal to anything in the world. (reference)
Just after it was erected the statue was briefly removed to a nearby pub by larrikins visiting town for a racing carnivale (reference) and in 1983, after further vandalism, a bronze replica was placed in the original location, on the street corner and the original statue was shifted to the foyer of the Town Hall. It was again moved in 2001, to the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame.
In 1930 and 1931 John McLeod continued to deliver lantern slide lectures on 'Beauty in Sculpture’ and ‘Oriental Art’ to the University (in connection with a fine art course), and the Fellowship of Arts Club (a youth club) and ‘the history of Illustrations’ to the Five Arts Club. (reference) (reference)
In 1933 McLeod was one of four artists selected to submit for the Edith Cowan Memorial. He missed out to portrait painter Margaret Johnson.
Despite the difficulties of the Depression, the WA Society of Arts, with a membership of about 100, survived under McLeod, as President (from 1932-1935) and continued its annual exhibitions. (reference) In 1935, after the Society lost their room at the University building in Irwin St; John led a delegation to the Premier, asking that the State Government find accomodation for the cultural group. (reference)
In 1934 John’s brother Angus died. His conservative, patriotic and ‘White Australia’ values were defined by this newspaper account:
Writing from Port Said, on his way home with the Scottish Delegation, Mr Angus McLeod sends this laconic message on a postcard: "Give me Fremantle and a White Australia." Anyone who knows the mixed population of that port, to say nothing of its reputed high morality, will agree with Mac's comparison. (Sunday Times, 3 June, 1928 p 3)
From 1931- 1936 John lived at 64 Newcastle St, Perth and continued to work as a Draftsman. During this time he also painted a portrait of Miss Heather Witt, from the G.F.S, Lodge, Adelaide terrace, Perth. Heather Witt was a sportswoman (surfer -see image) (reference)
In 1937 MacLeod was invited to design a proposed bronze statue of Robert Burns, to be erected in Perth by the Union of Scottish Societies, who were upset that WA was the only State in the Commonwealth that did not have a statue of Burns. (reference) However, there was still no statue by 1943, and the project disappeared. (reference)
In Nov 1939 John McLeod spoke on ‘the Relationship Between Art and Literature’, at the Modern Women’s Club Room, Chancery House, Howard St, for the Fellowship of Australian Writers. FAWWA had been founded in 1938 with the aim of supporting Western Australian writers and promoting their work. John McLeod must have felt an affinity with its members- explaining that this connection happened through Illustration:
"The ideal illustrator," he said, "is one who can draw exactly as the writer would do if he were as gifted with the power of pictorial representation as in the way of words. The artist should be versatile in many styles and methods, and able to saturate himself in any particular author's feelings and style so that his pictures fit into the work as inevitably right and exact. The right illustrator will not hesitate to use his imagination and may use an episode not hinted at by the author so long as it is in the right vein and does not detract from the main subject of the picture. It may even heighten the effect and enhance the author's description." (reference)
With the beginning of WW11, many local writers enlisted in the Defence Forces and in 1941 McLeod was elected vice-president of FAWWA and in September 1942 he became President. This was also the year the Fellowship celebrated the centenary of Joseph Furphy, who wrote Such is Life under the pen-name Tom Collins. McLeods statue of Paddy Hannah had been made at the Furphy Foundry in Swanbourne in 1929- and so McLeod had a personal connection to him.
Furphy was important to the FAWWA and three years after McLeods death, in 1949, the Fellowship based its headquarters in the cottage built by Furphy in Swanbourne in 1907, known as Tom Collins House, and later relocated to the Allen Park Heritage Precinct.
MacLeod wanted to share culture with people and he wanted the public to value artists. As an advocate- the last proposal he made was visionary- and sadly -still has yet to be enacted:
In 1942, representing the Fellowship of Australian Writers (WA), Mr. J. K. Ewers (past-president) and Mr. J. MacLeod (acting-president) put forward a proposal to the to then Commonwealth Social Security Committee- that social security be provided for Australian writers, artists and musicians, and advocated the establishment of a Government publishing house, the elimination of syndication, scholarships and grants, and State orchestras and theatres for each capital city in which Australian drama, music and ballet would be fostered…(The West Australian, 13 Feb 1942, p 6)
In 1944 McLeod served on the committee of FAWWA and when John K. Ewers returned as President in 1945-46, the vice-presidents role was shared between John McLeod and Henrietta Drake Brockman.
John Dominic McLeod died 16 October 1947, aged 70.
McLEOD. The Friends of the late Mr. John Dominic MacLeod. Artist and Sculptor, of 526a Hay-street, Perth are respectfully informed that his remains will be interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery…
MacLEOD. Members of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (WA Section) are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late Past President... (reference)
In December 1950 it was announced that a memorial garden to perpetuate the works of a West Australian poetess Annie H. Mark and West Australian sculptor John McLeod, were to be established by the WA section of the Fellowship of Australian Writers at Tom Collins House, Swanbourne. An oil painting of former fellowship president John McLeod was also presented by his nephew, Mr. Alan McLeod. (reference)
RIP John McLeod
Researched and written by Jo Darbyshire 2022
This is a work in progress and any further information or photos welcome-contact Jo@museumofperth.com
Nephew Allan Gay McLeod (1902 Fremantle) married Muriel Edna Bird (1905-) in Sydney in 1946 and died 25 Dec 1991.
References used:
Biographies of FAW Presidents and Hon. Life Members by Elizabeth Louden 2007, found in the collection of the Fellowship of Writers ( WA), Tom Collins House, Swanbourne along with the photograph of John McLeod, President 1942/1943
Jean Lang, At the Toss of a coin, Joseph Furphy: the western link (Swanbourne, WA) Tom Collins Press 1987 p 3
Dr Dorothy Erickson’s brief biography of McLeod (reference) (not correct on many points) https://www.daao.org.au/bio/john-mcleod-1/biography/
Portrait of Catherine Francis c. 1910, oil on canvas, 127 x 60 cm, Collection Mrs Iris Wilkinson c 1987., seen in Janda Gooding, Western Australian Art and Artists 1900-1950, AGWA exhibition catalogue 1987
