Tasmanian artist whose work inspired the ABC logo and father of acclaimed Aussie actress Essie Davis dies

Acclaimed Tasmanian artist George Davis has died aged 94.

Davis, the father of Australian actress Essie Davis, is known for his paintings of Tasmanian birds, plants and landscapes.

One of his best-known works of art is a large mosaic mural in the former buildings of the ABC and Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music in Hobart.

Davis was commissioned to create the 60-foot-long mural in 1961 after winning a design competition.

The mosaic consists of 150,000 glass tiles and inspired the ABC logo.

His daughter Essie previously said she thought the mural was “a great work of art.”

‘I have always been very proud of my father’s work. He is an extraordinary visual artist, master draftsman and colorist, observer of nature and humanity,” she told the ABC.

“I think when you create such a great work of art, you expect it to be forever, because that’s how we remember culture.”

Acclaimed Tasmanian artist George Davis (pictured) has died aged 94

One of his best-known works of art is a large mosaic mural in the former ABC and Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music buildings in Hobart

Davis was born in Hobart and went to study in London on a Tasmanian Traveling Scholarship.

He held his first art exhibition in Hobart in 1951.

He was commissioned by the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board for a series of drawings and paintings of the islands of Tasmania.

Davis had his work performed at the University of Tasmania in 1980 and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in 1988.

His daughter Essie (photo) previously said she thought the mural was ‘a great work of art’

Related Post