Historical information

This large pastel drawing was created by Dr W.R. Angus in 1925, the year after he graduated as a doctor in South Australia. In 1926 Dr Angus was appointed as Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, in Nhill, Victoria, where he extended his experiences in radiology and pharmacy. Eventually, in 1939, he and his wife Gladys moved to Warrnambool, Victoria, with their children.

The drawing is part of the W.R. Angus Collection, which includes another of the doctor’s pastel drawings and a box of used pastels.

The picture was framed by W.H. Rogers & Co. of North Terrace, Adelaide. The business also framed maps and plans.

Significance

This pastel drawing is locally significant for being the work of Warrnambool doctor, W.R. Angus.
It is part of the W.R. Angus Collection, which is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool.
The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being a historical example of medicine, administration, household equipment and clothing from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery.
The collection includes Army objects, which are examples of items issued to Doctors and Surgeons in the Medical Services of the Australian Army in World War 2. It also includes household items used by Dr Angus and his family from the 1920s in various locations including Warrnambool, together creating an understanding of the furnishing of an early to mid-20th century home.

Physical description

Pastel drawing behind glass in a rectangular wooden frame with an unusual oval wooden matt. The subject is a scene with a pink-tinted sky reflected in a river running between the foot of two hills with trees. The picture was created and signed by W R Angus in 1925. The back is covered in brown paper and has a mounting wire. Inscriptions are on the picture and the back. A remnant of the framer’s label is attached.
The picture is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.

Inscriptions & markings

Signature and date; “W.R.A. / 1925”
Printed on label remnant; “—Rogers & Co. / - ORIA STREET / - way Station, North Terrace / “THE CORRECT FRAMERS” / -lise in Map and Plan Mounting / PHONE 5437”