Historical information

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.

Physical description

.1) black and white photograph of a man standing in front of a driving tower beside a swimming pool. Surrounding the pool is a corrugated iron structure containing walls, changing booths and a roof. This is supported by timber posts. The man is dressed in swimming costume (singlet and trunks) and is Frank Wright. The place is the Ballarat City Baths.
.2) black and white photograph of a man standing on a spring board over a swimming pool. Surrounding the pool is a corrugated iron structure containing walls, changing booths and a roof. This is supported by timber posts. The man is dressed in swimming costume (singlet and trunks) and is Frank Wright. The place is the Ballarat City Baths.

Inscriptions & markings

.1) handwritten on back - Frank Wright 28, Taken Ballarat City Baths. Jan 1930
.2) handwritten on back - F.Wright, Ballarat City Baths, 4/2/30
3.) Frank Wright at the Ballarat City Baths, date unknown