Deutscher and Hackett

The following excerpt is quoted from Hilder, B., The Heritage of J.J. Hilder, Ure Smith, Sydney, 1966, p.13: The most important series of early paintings are in an album of sketches which the artist gave to Miss Lorna Deighton in 1907. They date from 1903, a year before Hilder was transferred from Bega to Sydney, and started painting in earnest. Miss Deighton has since most generously given the book to my brother Bim, as she wished to return it to the artist’s family. This was the actual book which Hilder showed to Ashton when he wanted to join his classes. Ashton was so impressed with the charm and originality of the drawings that he told his pupils that a new genius has appeared. One example of this early work is shown at Plate XXII, with the title “Sydney Harbour from Fort Macquirie”. It shows the essential Hilder style before he met any artist in Sydney. By 1907 he was invited to join the Society of Artists and his public career as an artist began with an exhibition that year. His panel of 21 watercolours was given pride of place and they were sold by the time the show finished.