A Life in Visual Arts
Born in London, United Kingdom, Montague Scott was a versatile artist, photographer, and cartoonist. After emigrating to Australia in 1855, he spent time prospecting for gold before finding his way into the world of photography in Melbourne. During this period, he studied the art of photograph colouring and trained under the celebrated painter Richard Ansdell. His professional journey led him to Sydney in 1866, where he initially worked for photographer Thomas Felton before taking over the Freeman Brothers' studios and naming them the Sydney and Melbourne Photographic Gallery. His reputation as a photographer was such that he was appointed the official photographer for the Duke of Edinburgh's visit in 1868 and was commissioned to paint a full-size portrait of the Duke.
Beyond his photographic pursuits, Scott was a prolific cartoonist and illustrator. He contributed to various publications, including Sydney Punch, Melbourne Punch, and the Australian Town and Country Journal. His work spanned several mediums, from lithographs illustrating news items to dramatic caricatures of politicians performed on stage. In his later years, he moved to Brisbane in 1887 to illustrate sports pages for the Brisbane Worker and the Brisbane Boomerang before returning to Sydney.
Notable Works and Commissions
Scott's artistic output included a variety of subjects, ranging from portraits to equine studies. His notable works and commissions include:
His diverse career saw him navigating the shifting landscape of the late 19th century, as the rise of photography began to displace etchings in newspapers and magazines.
