scene-painter and decorator, is first mentioned in Melbourne at the end of 1850 when he painted 'Splendid Ball-room’ scenery for the performance of One Hour; or, the Carnival Ball at the Queen’s Theatre. In 1867 he executed a large, 32 × 12 foot (9.75 × 3.65 m), transparency in oils for the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Melbourne, described by the Argus as being in three parts: the central panel being a well-painted representation of the Prince’s ship, the Galatea , at anchor off Sandridge (Port Melbourne) and the side panels bearing portraits of Queen Victoria and of the Duke in naval uniform. The transparency was displayed by T.K. Bennet on his butcher’s shop in Bourke Street.
In the late 1870s Watts formed a partnership with Harry Grist, another scene-painter. They advertised from premises in St George’s Hall, Bourke Street, that they would give estimates for decorating gentlemen’s mansions and clubs, churches and altars, as well as painting theatrical scenery, panoramas and transparencies 'on the shortest notice’.
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- Writers:
- Staff Writer
- Date written:
- 1992
- Last updated:
- 2011
