Douglas Baulch

Ernest Douglas Baulch (24 May 1917 – 23 February 1996) was an Australian artist.

Baulch studied at the Prahran Technical College, where his talent for landscapes and impressionism emerged. During World War I, he served in the Royal Australian Air Force. He was commissioned to produce various posters and signage related to the war effort. Baulch worked as a commercial artist for much of his career, producing personal art in his spare time. Many of his works featured landscapes with small children in the background. He exhibited at Government House, state libraries, universities, and banks. In addition, 20 pieces of works were on public display for over 20 years at his alma mater, Prahran Technical College. The need to support his family, and the theft of two of his works from a gallery early in his career, led to Baulch exhibiting less than his peers. However, after his children were grown, Baulch was able to devote more of his time to his work, as well as teaching from his home, on television, and at various colleges and universities. His works are currently held in numerous private collections.

Early life and education Baulch was born at Malvern, Victoria, Australia, the only youngest of three children of Ernest Stanley Baulch and Anne O'Connor. Before he turned 1, his father left to serve in France during World War 1, only to return hospitalised for the rest of his life being completely incapacitated til his death 8 years later. His illness and death affected the young Douglas. His father eventually died in 1926 when Baulch was only 9 years old.

Baulch began his training at the Prahran Technical College (modern day, Swinburne University) in 1931. The same year, he graduated

Career Baulch worked as a commercial artist at Troedel and Cooper Pty Ltd from 1936 to 1938,

Baulch's style changed somewhat later in life becoming more vivid and colourful.

He exhibited at Victoria Government House (for the Queens visits) in 1964. As well as multiple exhibits at locations around Melbourne, at various state libraries, universities, prize shows, (e.g. Archibald) and financial institutions. Some of his works were also exhibited at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

His works are currently held in a number of private collections around the world in the UK, US, Belgium, Paris and Hong Kong.

Personal life and death Baulch married Lyla Foster in 1944. By 1961, Baulch had eight children - Jeff, Graeme, Madeleine, Michael, Francesca, Paul, Kevin and Lisa. However, his son Michael, died young.

After being hospitalised for a year, Baulch died of cancer in February 1996. He was 78.