Sir William (Will) Ashton OBE (1881–1963) was the son of James Ashton, who founded Adelaide’s Norwood Art School in 1885 and its Academy of Arts in 1895. Will Ashton studied first under his father, and then in Cornwall and Paris. On his return from Europe he successfully exhibited impressionist style pictures of Parisian street scenes, Dieppe quays and other picturesque landmarks and resorts. Over the course of his career in Australia, London and Paris he achieved consistent success adhering to the same general style and themes. Like Lionel Lindsay, Ashton was a vociferous and influential opponent of the modern art movement in Australia.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Richard King 2008
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.
