Biography
Born Melbourne 1920 d. 1999, son of potter Merric Boyd, brother of David Boyd and Guy Boyd. Painter, potter, printmaker, sculptor. Had little formal training, but studied with his grandfather A. M. Boyd. Painted with W. McCulloch in 1930s, also attended occasional classes at NGV School 1935-36 and first exhibited portraits and landscapes in 1939. He spent 3 years in the AIF during WW2; a traumatic experience later evidenced in his paintings. From 1944 to 1954 he produced decorated earthenware with his brother-in-law John Perceval at Murrumbeena, plus ceramic sculptures and genre paintings, as well as lyrical landscapes including the now celebrated Wimmera series. Although his style changed during the 1950s, the sumptuous quality of his paint persisted. His Aboriginal Bride series shows a new awareness of people. Was a member of the Antipodeans 1959.
Since 1960 has lived and worked much of the time in England, latterly more at his property at Shoalhaven, NSW, which provided much of his subject matter, presenting the estate and art collection to the nation. He developed a personal mythology as metaphor of the setting. He produced many imaginative print series from the late 1950s, mainly in etching/aquatint and drypoint. Has exhibited in Australia and overseas, and made large bequests to the National Gallery of Australia. He was always reluctant to date his paintings, feeling that this is an 'egocentric act'. Made an 'Officer of the Order of Australia' 1979.
His work is held in: Art Collections of the Victorian Arts Centre (Westpac Gallery) Melbourne, Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery of SA, Art Gallery of WA, as well as many regional galleries, University and corporate collections.
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