William Macleod

1850 - 1929

Factsheet

  • Born: 1850, Australia
  • Top 3 works: Portrait of Percy Leason
  • Museums on this site: Art Gallery of New South Wales
  • Died: 1929
  • Top-ranked work: Portrait of Percy Leason
  • Works on this site: 1

A Life of Art and Industry

Born in London to a Scottish Highlands father and a mother of Cornish and German descent, William Macleod emigrated to Australia in the mid-1850s. Following the death of his father, Macleod began working at the age of twelve, serving as an assistant to a professional photographer. His artistic inclinations led him to study at a school of the arts, where he developed skills in painting and stained glass design. By the age of seventeen, his commissions were sufficient to provide a home for his mother. Beyond his visual arts, Macleod was a significant figure in Australian publishing, becoming a partner in The Bulletin and publishing the literary magazine The Bookfellow.

Artistic Pursuits and Later Years

Macleod’s creative output extended into sculpture, including a side profile of the cartoonist 'Hop' Hopkins. In 1923, he was named a finalist in the third annual Archibald Prize for his work depicting 'Hop' Hopkins. His life was marked by both professional success and personal resilience; he was married twice, first to Emily Collins and later to Agnes Conor O'Brien. In his later years, he was active in the community as a founding member and president of lawn bowls clubs. He retired from The Bulletin in 1926 and passed away at his home, Dunvegan, in Mosman, Sydney.

Questions & Answers

Can I explore William Macleod's works by keyword?

To find works by William Macleod on a specific theme, use the artist's By Keywords page, which groups the artworks by keyword.

How do I find all works by William Macleod in a given medium?

The All Medium page groups William Macleod's artworks by technique.

In which historical period did William Macleod work?

William Macleod worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Where can I see the color profile of William Macleod's work?

The Palette Genome of William Macleod is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

Self-test

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was William Macleod born?
Question 2:
At what age did Macleod begin working to support his mother?
Question 3:
Which magazine did Macleod hold a share in?
Question 4:
In 1923, Macleod was a finalist in which prestigious art prize?
Question 5:
What was Macleod's occupation in addition to being a painter?