Phyllis Paulina Waterhouse (Phyl) and Charles William Bush were lifelong companions who first met during their teenage years at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School in the 1930s.
Phyl’s family migrated from England to Bacchus Marsh and later to Essendon, where she was born on 17 April 1917. At a young age, she displayed a keen interest in dancing and music, particularly the piano. However, contracting rheumatic fever at nine years old led to a lifelong heart murmur, redirecting her focus towards drawing. Encouraged by her parents, she began watercolour painting lessons at the Eastern Market on Bourke Street until 1932.
In 1933, at the age of 16, Phyl enrolled at the National Gallery School under Bernard Hall, and where Charles Bush had commenced at the age of 14. His father’s disapproval prompted him to move in with Phyl and her parents at Essendon before the two young artists rented a studio and began living together. She started exhibiting in 1939 at Riddell’s Gallery.
During World War II, Charles served as an official war artist while Phyl exhibited her work and contributed to the war effort. In 1944 she painted a portrait of Vida Goldstein from the 1902 photograph of Vida as delegate to the International Suffrage Conference in the USA. The war deeply affected Phyl, leading to a hiatus in her painting for three years. In 1949, they received the Travelling Art Scholarship, allowing them to travel to Europe and immerse themselves in the art scene. She undertook independent studies in London, Paris and Spain during 1950-52.
After returning in 1952, Phyl and Charles established a studio in Essendon. Phyl balanced her art with work as a night-time switchboard operator at radio station 3AW, which allowed her to paint during the day, while Charles pursued a successful career as a full-time painter. Phyl’s style evolved, moving from traditional realism to what McCulloch describes as “a modulated post-Impressionist style.”
In 1962, Phyl, Charles and their friend June Davies co-founded the Leveson Street Gallery, one of Melbourne’s early artist-run galleries. The gallery’s success enabled them to travel extensively and invest in a property in Aireys Inlet. However, the demands of the gallery limited Phyl’s time for her own art. When it closed in 1979, Phyl returned to painting, but her health began to decline.
Phyl and Charles kept their late civil marriage on 21 June 1979 secret. When Phyl passed away from a heart attack in April 1989 Charles, devastated by her death, also suffered a heart attack and passed away in November 1989.
- Writers:
- Staff Writer
James McArdle
- Date written:
- 1999
- Last updated:
- 2023
