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. It was an influential period where she met Charles Bush, beginning a lifelong companionship.
During World War II, Charles served as an official war artist while Phyl exhibited her work and contributed to the war effort. 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.
After returning in 1952, Phyl and Charles established a studio in Essendon. Phyl balanced her art with work as a switchboard operator, while Charles pursued a successful career as a full-time painter. Phyl’s style evolved, moving from traditional realism to the influences of the French Impressionists.
In 1962, Phyl and Charles 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 1979 civil marriage 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
- Date written:
- 1999
- Last updated:
- 2023
