B. 1889 – 1939 

William Beckwith McInnes is among Australia’s most significant early twentieth century artists, winning the Archibald Prize seven times and the Wynne Prize in 1918. He entered the Melbourne National Gallery School at fourteen to study under Frederick McCubbin, later graduating to paint under Bernard Hall. After not winning a travelling scholarship in 1909 and 1911, he departed for the continent on his own accord in 1912. 

While in Europe, McInnes travelled throughout France, Spain, Morocco and Britain, discovering the work of Rembrandt, Velasquez, Hals and Raeburn. He exhibited his landscapes at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1913 and upon his return to Melbourne, had a sell-out exhibition at the Athenaeum. 

The husband of fellow artist Violet Muriel Musgrace, McInnes was appointed drawing master at the National Gallery School after McCubbin’s passing in 1916 and in 1934 he became head of the school. Represented across state collections, McInnes’s reputation persists, described as heir to Arthur Streeton. 

 
To read a more in-depth biography of the artist, click here.