Jack Carington Smith

Jack Carington Smith (1908–72), painter and watercolourist, was born in Launceston, moved to Sydney, and studied art at East Sydney Technical College with Fred Britton, Douglas Dundas and Fred Leist. A scholarship enabled study in London for two years, and he became Head Teacher of Art, Launceston Technical College, then in 1940 Head of the Art Department at the Hobart Technical College, where he remained until 1970.

Carington Smith's work gained national recognition and represented Australia in international exhibitions. He received major commissions, particularly for portraits, and won numerous major national art awards. Finding inspiration in his surroundings along the River Derwent Carington Smith produced landscapes, interiors and night scenes from his Sandy Bay studio. Trips abroad and within Tasmania, particularly to Bruny Island, resulted in spontaneous watercolours painted out of doors. His oil portraits were characterised by their restrained colour and tone. Carington Smith is represented in all major Australian galleries.

Further reading: S Backhouse, Jack Carington Smith, Hobart, 1976 (exhibition catalogue).

Sue Backhouse