Description

Extended Data

Birth Place

Queensland, Australia

Biography

sketcher, known as Althea, was the third daughter of Rupert Atherton of Howard Park, North Queensland. She was married to Albert Alfred Cook of Balnagowan from her parental home, Howard Park, on 11 April 1908, her sister Ina and her future sister-in-law, Ethel Cook (who exhibited [Royal] Art Society of NSW in 1885), being the bridesmaids, with Althea’s brother Rupert, best man. Althea drew numerous pencil sketches on display at her former married home, Greenmount Homestead, Nebo Road, near Mackay, North Queensland, built by her husband in 1915. The Cook’s son Tom left Greenmount to the Pioneer Shire Council in 1981. The Mackay Historical Society and Museum Inc. holds the current lease for the property, which is open to the public, being furnished as it was when the Cooks lived there. Most of Althea’s drawings date from before her marriage and many are copies. Watercolours of typical Grand Tour subjects and style in the bedroom were evidently done on her honeymoon; all are signed 'V.A. Cook 1909’. A copy of an English farm-house signed 'Althea Atherton’, drawn on 2 September 1882 when she was seven, seems to be the earliest. A typical young lady’s pencil drawing of a ruined castle is dated March 1885; a view of a sluice gate and trees 25 April 1890. Others include a view of cattle and a boy beside a creek (presumably another copy) dated 28 October 1890; a copy of a traditional Scottish picture of sheep and dogs signed 'V.A. Atherton, 1892’; The Late Duchess of Leicester (obviously another copy) of 21 January 1897 and another European view, Morning , dated 1899. Pioneer River from under the Bridge , also of 1899, appears to be an original as does her view of moonlight on water of 1907. There is also a very conventional sea view dated 1908. She also painted flowers in gouache and views on leaves. A cartoon inscribed 'V.A. Cook 1909’ (i.e. honeymoon period) is a surprising addition in this gallery, although a good indication of her class and sympathies – and of the Australia-wide impact of the Broken Hill miners’ strike that year. Evidently a copy, possibly from the Bulletin or Figaro , it is annotated: 'The Policeman’s son: “Them Broken Hill blokes are goin’ ter cop out. Me old man’s gone up there, an’ he’s took his belt.”’ Writers: Kerr, Joan Date written: 1996 Last updated: 2007

Born

b. 1875

Summary

Late colonial/Federation era Queensland sketcher. Atherton began drawing at a young age and was still sketching some years later while on her honeymoon. Most of Atherton's drawings are copies and include traditional views of English farm houses and ruined castles.

Gender

Female

Died

1955

Age at death

80