Howard Hinton, one of Australia’s greatest patrons of art
Hinton’s aim was to “provide a complete collection illustrating the development of Australian art from 1880 onwards, and my action in making the gift to Armidale Teachers’ College was prompted by my great interest in Australian education and my desire that the collection should be available in perpetuity for the benefit of succeeding generations.”
Jesse Jewhurst Hilder (1881-1916)
Boatsheds Berowra 1912
watercolour, 14.6 x 39.5 cm
Gift of Howard Hinton 1944
Sponsored by Kim Taylor in 2016 for the Adopt an Artwork Program
Howard Hinton, OBE (1866-1948) has been hailed as one of Australia’s greatest patrons of art. A British-born shipping merchant, Hinton had a lifelong appreciation of art and artists, an appreciation he generously shared with others. He donated over 100 artworks to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where he was also Trustee from 1919 until his death in 1948. But Armidale was the ultimate beneficiary of his generosity, with Hinton donating more than 1000 artworks to the Armidale Teachers’ College, a collection now held by the New England Regional Art Museum.
Born in Croydon, England, Hinton arrived in Sydney as a young man in 1890. In 1894 he embarked on a successful career with McArthur Shipping & Agency Co., becoming company director in 1918 and retiring in 1928. Shipping provided a comfortable financial position and this, in conjunction with living modestly and a significant inheritance from an English cousin, enabled Hinton to indulge in his love of art.
Upon his arrival in Australia, Hinton was immediately drawn to Sydney Harbour. Initially, he was a resident of the artist camps dotted around the shores of Mosman and Balmoral and became friendly with some of the artists living there such as Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts. Later, he lived in several boarding houses in the same area.
Below: Norman Carter (1875-1963), Portrait of Howard Hinton Esq, OBE 1936, oil on canvas, 106 x 82.3 cm. Gift of the Staff and the students of the 1935-36 Session, 1937. Armidale Teachers' College Collection, The University of New England.
Despite Hinton’s passion for art and artists, he never amassed a vast collection of art for himself, but constantly bought works and gifted or sold them. He purchased art directly from artists as well as exhibitions, in Australia and overseas. His patronage supported many artists, and he established strong friendships with several, such as Norman Lindsay, Elioth Gruner, and J.J. Hilder.
Through his association with David Drummond, NSW Minister of Education, and S.H. Smith, NSW Director of Education, Hinton became aware of the Armidale Teachers’ College, built in 1928-29. Upon Smith’s suggestion, the College became an ideal recipient, with his first gift, ‘The Lock Gates’ by Adrian Stokes, donated in 1929. This initial gift would instigate a twenty-year period of art philanthropy from Hinton to the College.
Hinton would proceed to send crateloads of art to Armidale via train, events which were eagerly reported in the local newspaper. He was warmly welcomed to Armidale several times and viewed the artworks on display throughout the College in its corridors, offices, and classrooms.
Hinton’s aim was to “provide a complete collection illustrating the development of Australian art from 1880 onwards, and my action in making the gift to Armidale Teachers’ College was prompted by my great interest in Australian education and my desire that the collection should be available in perpetuity for the benefit of succeeding generations.”
This enduring relationship resulted not only in the College receiving a considerable number of artworks from Hinton, but inspired others to donate in the same spirit. There are many wonders of art in this collection, but perhaps the greater wonder is the man himself and his altruistic generosity.
Explore the collection
Wonders of Hinton is currently on display at New England Regional Art Museum