Title

Death of Mr. Charles Hill, engraver, artist and teacher.

Author

Author not identified

Source

Advertiser (Adelaide).

Details

18 September 1916, p.16, col.7.

Publication date

18 September 1916

Type

Obituary

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

DEATH OF MR. CHARLES HILL,
EXGRAVER, .ARTIST, AND ART TEACHER.

In the death of Mr. Charles Hill, which occurred on Thursday evening at the age of 91, South Australia has lost an old and distinguished colonist. Mr. Hill, who was a native of Coventry, England, reached Adelaide in 1854, having been recommended by the late Archdeacon Farr to make the voyage to this State with a view to re-establishing his health, which had not been satisfactory for some time prior to his leaving England. His father, a military officer, had seen service under Wellington; but the son's tastes went out in the direction of art, and he served an apprenticeship as a line engraver in the north of England. In 1840 he entered the Academy of Fine Arts, and he also became a pupil of Mr. W. B. Scott, M.A., whose name became famous in art circles, particularly as the editor of the "Art Journal. Mr. Hill made rapid progress as a line engraver, and was responsible for some excellent engraving work of renown. At one time he was associated with Reynolds, the Royal engraver, and he took part in the production of the famous work representing the opening of the 1851 Exhibition at the Crystal Palace. On reaching South Australia Air Hill accepted the position of art master, at St. Peter's College, and filled similar positions, in several other educational institutions of the time. He also conducted an art school of his own in Pulteney-street. It was largely due to his energies that the South Australian Society of Arts had its inception. The first meeting in connection with the movement for establishing the society was held at Mr. Hill's house. The society was launched after 60 names had been enrolled and its objects were to promote the cultivation of the arts by means of lectures, &c. The institution of an art gallery was included in the objects set before the organization. As the son of a military officer it was but natural that he should be interested in questions of defense, and ho joined one of the early volunteer companies. He was a member of the Bohemian Club, and was for many years one of the beat-known figures in Adelaide. For 49 years he lived on South-terrace and he was probably the oldest resident of that locality. He left a widow, 4 sons, 3 daughters, an. 29 grandchildren. His sons are Dr. C. E. Hill (Melbourne), Mr. W L. Hill (of the Railways Department). Mr. G. A. Hill, Mr. G. F. A. Hill (of Port Adelaide). His daughters are Mrs. Bode (Wasleys), Mrs. Luke (Petersburg), and Miss G. Hill. Two of his grandsons are with the forces at the front. One was wounded in the famous landing at Gallipoli and another was struck with a piece of shrapnel on August 11.

[The Advertiser (Adelaide), 18 September 1916, p.16, col.7.]