Tony Jones

(1944-)

“You can’t just stand there and tell people you’re an artist – you have to be one.” Tony Jones 2015 (Sampson)

Artists Tony and Pam Jones and family, have lived at 45 Bedford Street, East Fremantle since 1980.

Tony Jones is a Western Australian artist whose career spans more than five decades and includes 20 solo exhibitions, over 100 group exhibitions and more than 60 public art commissions. Jones is most widely known for his public artworks that represent aspects of local history, including ‘Eliza’ which stands in the Swan River at the site of the old Crawley Baths and of ‘C. Y. O’Connor, Horse and Rider”, in the water at Coogee Beach.

Antony ‘Tony’ David Geoffrey Jones was born in Adelaide in 1944, and came to Perth, with his parents as a small child. Tony’s parents were Geoff Jones and Patricia Englehardt. Tony’s two brothers Kim (b 1947) and Ashley (b 1951) were both born in Perth.

Patricia Joan Englehardt was born at Greenslade's Private Hospital, Glenelg on 18 March 1916 in South Australia. (reference) Her father Edmund Robert Englehardt (1891–1956) had been born in 1891, in Clifton Hill, Victoria, son of Michael Julius Otto Englehardt (1845-1927) an immigrant from Germany who arrived in Tununda, South Australia in 1868. (reference) Michael subsequently operated a boot store in Waymouth St, Adelaide for 26 years, from 1896-1922. Michael married Anna ‘Elisabeth’ Reiss (1854-1938), the daughter of his partner and they had ten children together, and 56 grandchildren when he died in 1927. (reference/obituary)  In 1913 Edmund married Patricia’s mother Ida Verona Victor in Unley, South Australia. Patricia’s siblings were Stanley Otto (1913), Peggy Pauline, and Bonnie.

In 1917 The family lived in Jetty Road, Glenelg and Edmund enlisted at the age of 28 in the AIF. He was sent to England and served as a gunner with the 2nd Battery Reserve. In 1918 he forfeited 2 days pay for being AWOL for a day. Edmund fought at Abancort, France, where he contracted severe dysentery, was evacuated to England in February 1919 (briefly reported ‘missing in action’ in Australian papers) and then returned to Sydney in June 1919, where looked for a position as a boot salesman. (reference) . His name can be seen on the Glenelg Memorial Town Hall Honour Board.

During the second world war Patricia lived with her family at 44 Hastings st, Glenelg. In 1938/1939 with a Masseuse Diploma, Patricia worked as a nurse, masseuse and dietician in Mitzi’s Beauty Parlour:

“Adelaide women are very fortunate to have such a Salon in MITZI'S BEAUTY SALON, of C.M.L. Bldgs., 41 King William st.. C 2621. Here Beauty is catered for from top to toe. First you will be taken care of by Nurse Engelhardt (sic), who will give you a delicately, perfumed Steam bath followed by a bracing Needle Spray shower and a body massage. You then step across to the Hairdressing Department for a refreshing facial and pedicure, manicure and a shampoo and reset.” (reference) and (reference)

March 1941- ”Engagement- Miss Patricia Joan Engelhardt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Engelhardt, of Glenelg, to Sergeant-Pilot Benjamin Watson Shearer, R.A.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. Murray Shearer, of Mannum.” Advertiser, Adelaide, SA, 14 March 1941, p 21 (reference)

This engagement did not go ahead and Patricia married Geoffrey Cecil Jones in 1943.

Geoffrey ‘Geoff’ Cecil Jones, was born 6 July 1913 in North Unley, South Australia, the last of four sons.

Geoff’s father Victor Pickering Jones (1875-1937), born in Mt Barker, SA, was a gifted artist; as a child he was commended for his ‘bouquet of wildflowers’ in 1987 (reference) and ‘mapping’ skills in 1888, which were displayed in the Public Schools, Floral and Industrial exhibitions, at the Adelaide Town Hall. (reference) He then graduated in ‘Geometry’ and ‘Model Freehand Drawing’ at the School of Design in Adelaide in 1894 & 1895. (reference) He also studied Elementary Double-entry Bookkeeping in 1899 at the South Australian School of Mines. (reference)

Victor married Ellen Willoughby Scott (1877–1957) on 27 March 1901, at Draper Memorial Church, Adelaide. (reference) Her father Clair Clement Scott (1849–1910) had come to South Australia from Suffolk, England c 1870. His first wife died after only one month of marriage and he married again, in 1873, to to Ellen’s mother Mary Jane Pleiniss (1852–1945). Geoff’s brothers were Victor Clair (1903-1988), Ralph Clement (1904-) and Eric Gordon (1907-). Geoff attended Prince Alfred College in 1936.

By 1905 Victor had an office at 70 Brookman's Building Grenfell street, in Adelaide (reference) where he was involved in selling shares in, and the formation, management and liquidation of mining companies, including in WA:

1911- STRIKE SETTLED. Mr. Victor P. Jones (Adelaide Secretary of the Bullfinch Proprietary, WA) has received the following telegram from the manager, dated, Bullfinch, February 3:— 'Strike settled. Starting work at once.' (reference)

Victor died suddenly, in 1937, aged 62:

After having watched a small fire in Pirie street, city, yesterday morning, Victor Pickering Jones, 62, accountant, of Park road, Kensington Park, collapsed and died. His son, Victor Clare Jones, drove him into town. After they had watched a fire at Thyer's Wrecking Yards, the men began to walk back to the motor car. Mr Jones, sen., faltered and then collapsed. He was carried to a doorway, but when a doctor examined him soon afterwards he was dead. Death appeared to have been due to heart disease… the Coroner decided an inquest was not necessary. Jones was well known in Stock Exchange circles as registrar of the Great Boulder Company. He held the position until a few months ago... Mr. Jones, who was born in Adelaide, was a first class amateur artist, and his office was adorned with many examples of watercolors. a medium in which he was particularly adept.” (reference) The employees of the Great Boulder Company were criticised in an article in 1926. (reference)

At the time of his death Victor was almost bankrupt:

Bankruptcy Petitions Granted- Victor Pickering Jones, accountant, late of Park Road, Kensington Park, who died on October 11, on the petition of Grace Evelyn Jones, spinster, of Alexandra avenue, Rose Park, a creditor for £250. The petitioner set out that the deceased's widow, Ellen Willoughby Jones, was appointed executrix by his will, but probate or administration of the estate had not been granted, and the petitioner believed that it was insufficient to pay the deceased's debts.” Advertiser, Adelaide, 23 October 1937, p 9

After his fathers death in 1937 Geoff worked as a clerk and lived at 12 Stirling St, Tusmore, SA:

“Fined for having supplied liquor at 8.45 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, Pauline Maria O'Neil, licensee of the Hotel Adelaide, Pirie street, City, was fined £5 with 12/6 costs in the Adelaide Police Court today. Geoffrey Cecil Jones, clerk, of Stirling street, Tusmore, to whom the liquor was alleged to have been supplied, was fined £5 reduced to £2, with 12/6 costs. Both pleaded guilty.” News (Adelaide), 25 July 1938, p 4 (reference)

During the second World War Geoff enlisted in the 2nd AIF (service no Sx6356).

After the war, Geoff and Patricia came to WA and Geoff originally worked in Kalgoorlie as a gold assayer. Then he started his own business- Venetian Blinds Pty. Ltd and in 1947 was the first person to make Venetian Blinds in WA. He also sold Hills Hoists and Canvas blinds (reference ).

1946- “Venetian Blinds- Every business man and housewife on the goldfields should take this opportunity of interviewing Mr Geoffrey C. Jones, of Adelaide, who is introducing and will manufacture in WA, RAINSFORD'S VEN METAL BLINDS. Introducing also, HILLS ROTARY CLOTHES HOISTS and TUBULAR STEEL HOME ACCESSORIES. Take advantage of my short stay in Kalgoorlie by interviewing me personally at the Erik Salon, 75A Hannen St where samples are on display. Delay may mean a lost opportunity.” Kalgoorlie Miner, 13 July 1946, p 2 (reference)

1951 “Craftsman built -Venetians for Homes of Distinction. Beautiful moulded facia board, smooth running pulleys and a choice of 14 glorious colours make SUN-MASTER Venetians custom-made of famous Flexa-lum your best buy. Write for free samples Venetian Blinds PTY., LTD. 35 Kooyong-rd., Rivervale, M 1812.” Daily News, 28 March 1951, p 4 (reference)

From 1954 the business sold flags and bunting (reference) and from 1955 offered fly-screens. (reference) In 1956 the company became Venco Pty. Ltd.

In 1949 the family lived at 80 Marine Parade, Cottesloe but in 1954 Geoff built a house in Bateman St, Mosman Park, adjacent to, and looking over Chidley Point and the Swan River.

“We had a fairly privileged upbringing in Mosman Bay. My dad built one of the first houses near Chidley Point. The house is long gone now, but we had a fantastic childhood with the freedom of the river.”

Growing up in this location was to have a strong impact on Tony, and much of his artwork has been influenced by growing up on the Swan River.

“We- being Ben and I -knew the deep family grief over the Jones family leaving their beloved home in Mosman Park. The first home to be built on that particular cliff. I remember the times when Dad would drive us to the Spot and we would peer in-between the fancy homes that had appeared since to try and capture the original view of the river.” (Gemma Jones)

In 1972 Tony’s parents moved to 10/12 John St, Cottesloe and from 1977-1980 they lived 12 Walba Way, Swanbourne. Patricia died aged 84, in 1999 and Geoff died in 2011, aged 98.

Tony attended Christchurch Grammar School.  He recalls that “they didn’t value art education much, but a small group of us hung in there with ‘Ma’ O’Connor, our art teacher. My leaving certificate art result was very poor; I only just passed.”

After graduating with a Teachers Certificate from Graylands Teachers College in 1963 (and being awarded that years College Art Prize; awarded to the student judged to be the most original amongst those who made a real contribution), Tony Jones became a high school teacher and taught at Collie High School from 1964-1969. “I started in Collie, five years in the high school there. I had a studio and had access to the art school after hours and on the weekend. I ran art classes for adults too. I was probably only 21.” (Sampson)

In 1968 he married Pamela Mathieu in Cottesloe. Pamela had graduated from Claremont Teachers College, alongside Tony in 1963, and after a probation year at Palmyra Primary School in 1965, taught at Hilton Park Primary from 1966 until her marriage in 1968. Their first child Gemma was born 1972, and son Ben in 1975.

Pam’s parents were Eric Cyril Mathieu (1911-2001) and Emma Mary Mathieu (1912-2001). They originally lived in Malaysia- and Pam was born and grew up in Singapore. In 1959 Eric Mathieu, a Health Inspector, left Singapore on the ss Gorgon on 7 Oct, with his widowed mother Mrs Constance B. Mathieu, (69), and arrived in Fremantle on the 12 October. In 1963 the family lived at 3 Robinson St, Claremont and Eric worked as a contractor. In 1968 they lived in Tin Mine, Greenbushes where Eric was a storeman. From 1972 they returned to 3 Robinson St and lived there until 1980 while Eric worked as a greenkeeper (from 1972-1980). Eric and Emma both died in 2001 in Perth.

Tony knew he wanted to be an artist and from 1970, while teaching at Mirrabooka Senior High School (1971-1972), and living at 35 Karalundie Rd, Mullaloo, Tony studied art at Curtin University (then known as WAIT). After graduating with an Associateship in Art Teaching in 1975 he was offered a job at Claremont School of Art. He taught sculpture in what was essentially a small independent art school within TAFE. He went on to become a beloved Sculpture Lecturer at the Central Central Institute of Technology, blending a long and rewarding dual career of artist/teacher. He retired from teaching in 2015.

“I suppose one of my strongest concerns at the moment, which informed the establishment of this school, is maintaining the employment of practicing artists as teachers, so the students can have the role models, the attitudes and the preoccupations of a person who is an artist, whether they are earning money or not.” (Sampson)

While the family first lived at 3 Robinson St, Nedlands, with Pam’s parents, Tony was a member of the Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club, where he raced Sharpies. His boats were called Flying Circus (l and ll). Tony and Pam were both teachers.

In 1980 Tony and Pam moved to their present address in Bedford Street.

“too create and sail, two of Dad’s core drivers. “ (Gemma Jones)

He opened a studio in O’Connor and continues to work there, often with his son Ben.

“With our public art projects, I work with my son Ben Jones and Angela McHarrie, who was a Central graduate, and the three of us spend time together.” (Sampson)

Pam Jones is primarily a Jeweler who continues to work in her studio in East Fremantle. In her work she uses silver and non precious materials to explore an element of illusion. Pam exhibits at Gallows Gallery in Mosman Park and in various group exhibitions such as the Lust for Lustre exhibition at Ellenbrook Arts HQ, Ellenbrook, WA (2020) and in Sirens, a group of eight female sculptors, at Gallows Gallery in Mosman Park (2020).

Pam and Tony Jones are both committee members for the ‘Sculpture at Bathers’ exhibition on Bathers Beach, Fremantle.

“In Tony Jones’s 2022 exhibition ‘Flying Circus’ at the Holmes a Court gallery Tony marked a lifetime of messing about on boats on the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan… There are small dinghies suspended from rafters, boat parts on the walls, tall steel sculptures representative of river markers around the floor and small sculptural pieces and paintings of boats on the walls. Add to the mix family memorabilia and photos from days racing small boats on the river and we get a picture of one man’s obsession to get out on the water as seen through that same man’s obsession to make art. ‘Flying Circus’ is Jones’s love letter to the Swan and generations of family life living and playing on or around it.”( McKeough)

Tony’s work and commitment to the Arts has been well recognised. In 2008, Tony was awarded Citizen of the Year WA – Arts. In 2009, his contributions ‘For service to the visual arts as a sculptor and educator’ were recognised with the award of an OAM – Order of Australia Medal. (Barker)

“We’ve always collected art. We’ve got more art than we know what to do with at home. I think when you have art in your home, your environment, it’s like a presence… I’ve got a yard full of sculpture at home and lots of sculpture here at the studio. I think it animates the space in which people place it… they become extensions of yourself in a way. When I finally am carried out of here people will have to come to terms with who I was through the sculpture. That’s the way it’ll work.“ Tony Jones (Cownie)

Written by Jo Darbyshire Dec 2023, with help from Gemma Jones

references:

1. Tales from the River bank, an essay by Gemma Jones for the catalogue Flying Circus- Tony Jones, for an exhibition at Holmes a Court Gallery, March 25- May 7, 2022

2. Rielly, C. (1979). The Graylands story. Graylands, Australia: Graylands Teachers College.

3. Farewell to artistic visionary Jones, Michael Sampson, The West Australian, Mon, 13 July 2015, (reference)

4. Tony Jones: Where Sculpture Fits In To Life, Neil Cownie Architect (reference)

5. Michael Barker, Interview With Tony Jones, Sculptor, November 29, 2020 in Fremantle People, Fremantle Shipping News (reference)

6. Craig McKeough, A love letter to the Swan, 29 March 2022, SeeSaw Magazine (reference)

See also: Bloomfield, David, Tony Jones: Artist and Teacher 1964-94. Sculpture, Paintings and Works on Paper, Nedlands: University of WA Press, 1994.