George Duerden

George Duerden (British English: /ˈdjuːərdən/) (16 May 1926 – 12 March 1986) was a British-born Australian expressionist painter who became one of Western Australia's most noteworthy artists. Born in Lancashire, England, he migrated to Australia in the mid-1950s and became an influential figure in the Western Australian art scene, developing a distinctive style featuring vivid, emotive representations of personal moments and memories.

Life and career

Early life and migration Duerden was born in Padiham, Lancashire, England, in 1926. Largely self-taught as an artist, he migrated to Australia in the mid-1950s, settling in Western Australia where he would spend more than 30 years. He painted prolifically, once describing himself as having "1000 paintings inside his head screaming to get out." The exhibition featured paintings with what critic I. M. Mason described as "elusive quality" and "compelling juvenile vibrancy," showing subjects ranging from children fishing to whimsical stylised fish and birds.

He held what was described as his first one-man show at the Fire Station Gallery in Leederville in 1970, which was a sell-out. Notable works in the collection include Bluebirds in grasses, Children fishing, The Potter, and Cutting peat on the hill of Tara. The collection spans various subjects from landscapes such as Shay Gap landscape and Sea front at Lereaux to figurative works including Double nude and The Betrothed. His ceramic works include functional pieces such as bowls, teacups, and vases.

Other institutions that acquired Duerden's work include the University of Western Australia and the City of Fremantle. His paintings were also collected by prominent modernist architect Iwan Iwanoff, with works displayed in Iwanoff's own Perth residence (the Iwanoff House, 1960s), alongside pieces by other notable Australian artists.

Exhibitions

Solo exhibitions 1964: Old Fire Station (59 paintings exhibition) His work has also been exhibited at institutions such as the Fremantle Arts Centre.

Art market Duerden's paintings have appeared regularly at auction in Australia and New Zealand, with a total of 50 works sold between 1994 and 2024. Duerden's artistic legacy remains alive in the contemporary art market, with his works continuing to generate interest at auction decades after his death.

Legacy At the time of his death, fellow artist Cliff Jones stated that Duerden was "essentially a country man who will be sadly missed in the Perth art world."

The WA Art Gallery acquired Duerden's work, with the painting "Champion Cockerel" being specifically mentioned as part of their collection. His influence on the Western Australian art scene continues through the substantial collections of his work held in major public institutions.

Publications about Duerden

Duerden, George (1994). George Duerden retrospective. Art Gallery of Western Australia. ISBN 978-0730936060.