MBE
- Born
- 18 March 1895
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - Died
- 1970
- Occupation
- Cartoonist, Illustrator and Journalist
- Alternative Names
- Paterson, Betty (preferred name)
- Wltshire, Elizabeth (married name)
Summary
Betty Paterson and her sister Esther were prodigies born into the elite of Melbourne's bohemian set. Father (Hugh) and uncle (John Ford) were both artists and her first playmates were her neighbours, the children of Frederick McCubbin.
Art impinged upon every facet of her life throughout its entire course. Her Art Deco cartoons were published regularly in magazines such as The Bulletin and Aussie. Her illustrated interpretations of 'permissive' 1920s society resonated with those she depicted - she became artist-by-appointment to the flappers.
Betty Paterson married twice, and had one child, a daughter, Barbara.
I own a work by Betty Paterson and would like to see others. Are there any collections in Melbourne that I could see?
Jenny Whitelaw - 8 December 2010, 8:25 AM EST
Does anyone know?
AWAP Administrator - 20 December 2010, 10:33 AM EST
I own a Betty Patterson print and the first couple of lines in the verse are
If you never care a fig-
and leave the bathroom like a pig--
I am wonering where I can get get a copy of it if it is still in print.
Jenny Tulloch
Jenny Tulloch - 5 March 2011, 12:40 PM EST
I have had several works by Betty Paterson including
The Bull – “Come Here Sonny and I’ll Toss You For Your Hat !”
Ink, 24.7 x 21.5 cm
I think another uncle was Charles Stewart Paterson who built and lived in the Grosvenor Chambers at 9 Collins St. Melb. where a number of important early artists had studio's
Bridget McDonnell - 13 March 2011, 12:29 PM EST
Betty Patterson was commissioned to do a portrait of my husband as a very young child. I'd be interested in seeing other work of hers.
Jan Cornfoot - 3 July 2011, 10:53 AM EST
My mother told me a water colour I have had for 60 years was me and my bunny. I have recently aquired my first lap top and found Betty Paterson on the net. I wonder if there were other similar paintings created by Betty. My mother was the daughter of FW Watkins a well known Melbourne Butcher. I think it is possible my painting is genuine. I would love to know if it is and what value it would have if any. Regards Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Palmer - 5 September 2011, 12:31 PM EST
Can anyone help?
AWAP Administrator - 6 September 2011, 3:07 PM EST
I would be pleased if some one could contact me re the painting I have of baby and toy bunny
Elizabeth Palmer - 23 October 2011, 11:30 AM EST
I'm interested in the Paterson family of artists. In 2009 I purchased Esther Paterson's "The Milk Maid" from Leonard Joel acutions.Betty died on Sunday, 5 July 1970. She was a musician and singer, and under the guidance of her sister, Esther, developed a talent for drawing, specialising in children.I'd like to hear from anyone who has been painted by Betty.
Gae Anderson - 3 January 2012, 10:52 AM EST