Description

Extended Data

DAAO URL

https://www.daao.org.au/bio/walter-eassie

Birth Place

London, England, UK

Biography

cartoonist and poster designer, was born in London. He began his career with a house decorating firm, then worked for furniture designer Edmond Foley for several years. Showing an aptitude for poster design he was employed by Messrs Hill, Siffken & Co., the largest poster firm in London; he also did excellent work for Kodak. He came to Australia in 1913 'in the hope of finding life less strenuous than it had been in London’. Before long he was refusing commissions. Although offered a regular job on the Bulletin , he preferred to remain freelance. He fell ill after painting a large frieze for the Anthony Hordern Pavilion at the Royal Easter Show in 1919 and died soon afterwards at Bondi. His obituary in Home called him 'a most likeable man and competent artist whose death at 47 is regretted by all who knew him’. 'Eassie’ cartoons include a frontispiece for Lone Hand February 1915, Goodbye, Baby Bunting, Daddy’s going hunting (soldier, nurse and baby); frontispiece for September 1915, 'The Australian nurse – cheerful and comforting’. For the Bulletin he drew 'The Road to Judgement’ (re the Kaiser) [1915?], 10; 'Excelsior’ (re Labor Movement) 16 October 1919, 13; 'The Alien Shillelagh’ (re the Irish in Australia) 6 November 1919, 10. Cartoons of various types of chair, 'Upholstery versus art’, appeared in Home (June 1920, 27). Writers: Kerr, Joan Date written: 1996 Last updated: 2007

Born

b. c.1872

Summary

Early 20th century Sydney cartoonist and poster designer. He died in 1919 and his obituary in 'Home' called him "a most likeable man and competent artist whose death at 47 is regretted by all who knew him."

Gender

Male

Died

1919

Age at death

47