early life and background

charles jones, an australian businessman and patron of the arts, was born on may 28, 1878, in burwood, new south wales. he was the grandson of the welsh-born merchant david jones, and his family's legacy would shape his future endeavors.

career highlights

jones attended the julian ashton art school in sydney and later the slade school of fine art in london, but ultimately abandoned his ambition to become a professional artist. he trained as a tailor and worked in england before returning to australia in 1902. upon his return, he joined the family company david jones limited, initially working in the clothing factory and later transferring to the advertising department.

contribution to the arts

jones established the david jones art gallery in 1944 under the direction of sir john ashton, promoting sydney artists, particularly william dobell, who painted jones' portrait in 1951 (now held at the national portrait gallery, canberra). he also published art in australia, further solidifying his commitment to the arts.

legacy and recognition

jones was made a knight bachelor in the 1951 new year's honours. his legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments, as he played a pivotal role in fostering australia's artistic community.

• view charles jones' artworks on ArtsDot
• explore the society of artists, where jones often exhibited his work, on ArtsDot's artist groups page
• read more about charles lloyd jones on wikipedia

notable paintings:

• ralph frederick balson: construction in green (87 x 112 cm, art gallery of new south wales, oil on board)
• hans heysen: hauling timber (132 x 166 cm, art gallery of new south wales, oil on canvas)

important dates:

• may 28, 1878: charles jones' birthdate
• 1902: jones returns to australia and joins david jones limited
• 1944: establishment of the david jones art gallery
• 1951: knighted in the new year's honours
• july 30, 1958: charles jones' passing