HMAS Tingira (l) at Berrys Bay Sydney
- About John Giles
John Giles was an Australian artist celebrated for his impressionist landscapes and coastal scenes. Born in South Australia, Giles studied under Will Ashton in Adelaide and J.S. Watkins in Sydney, both influential figures in Australian art education.
Giles’ artworks were generally natural impressionist compositions, dabbing colour to create form, and set against the varied Seaside Vistas of Sydney Harbour and Port Adelaide.
These Seaside artworks and Harbour scenes are impressive for their composition, colour, choice of subject matter and are highly popular with Australian art collectors. Giles’ paintings show a fundamental understanding of light and shade, movement, and balance in composition.
Giles is best known for his works, like his early 20th century “Circular Quay” Sydney, “Moored at Birkenhead Wharf” Sydney NSW, and “Morning Departure Dockside Port Adelaide” South Australia.
Giles’ works are held in collections such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
- About HMAS Tingira
HMAS Tingira (Ex-Sobraon) was originally laid down as the Sobraon in Scotland. After carrying cargo and passengers between the UK and Australia for many years she was purchased by the NSW government in 1891. Moored off Cockatoo Island she was used as a Nautical School Ship for wayward boys until 1911.
In 1911 Sobraon was purchased by the Commonwealth Government and fitted out as a boy’s training ship at Mort’s Dock Balmain. The name chosen for her was an aboriginal word meaning ‘open sea’ and she became HMAS Tingira when commissioned.
More reading
- Additional resources for John Giles
- Additional resources for HMAS Tingira
