B. 1901 - 1988

Beatrice Darbyshire was a Perth-born Australian artist best known for her etchings of the rural Australian landscape. Born at the turn of the 20th century, Darbyshire was a gifted artist who pursued her talent by taking Saturday drawing classes with fellow Australian artist Henri Van Raalte in 1913. After perfecting her craft for many years, Darbyshire exhibited with the Western Institute of Artists at the Museum and Art Gallery of Western Australia in 1921. 

Under the advice of Van Raalte, Darbyshire travelled to London and enrolled in the Royal College of Art. In 1924 and 1925, two of her works were chosen for the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley, where she received a certificate of honour and bronze medal for her works. After graduating in 1927, Darbyshire returned to Perth where she spent the remainder of her life. 

In 1940, Darbyshire gave up printmaking and spent her time instructing at the Women’s League of Health, writing for the league’s quarterly publication and lecturing in art. She died at the age of 87. Her works are held in several public and private collections across Australia, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. 

For a more in-depth biography of this artist, click here.