In 1918 Nellie Melba provided the boost to the career of artist Frank Williams that he had always dreamed of.

The Adelaide born Williams had been wounded at Gallipoli, and was discharged in 1916 suffering from paralysis and severe shellshock.

FRANK AUSTIN WILLIAMS

Back in Adelaide he slowly regained his health and mobility. After 18 months in hospital he began to work again. He established a reputation for his designs, and became known as The Adelaide Anzac Artist.

His first exhibition was held in 1917, and was opened by the governor’s wife, Lady Galway. It was written up in The Register (Dec. 7 1917) The reporter found Frank’s originality a little hard to come to terms with;

On the walls and on the tables are many illustrations of his work. He rather favours weird schemes of stage decoration, as is shown in three beautiful panels for a screen. His painted curtains and portiers are very fine, but here again, weird effects are most in evidence. Friezes, calendars, crystal chandeliers, art cushions, posters and decorative trifles comprise the other constituents of the exhibition.

Next came design work for a ballet performed as part of a revue at The Tivoli.

One of the most fascinating ballets in ‘Samples’ in the big Tivoli revue success is that entitled The.’ Garden of Eden.’ This novelty, which is all done in black and white, making a most effective stage picture, was designed and created by Mr. Frank A. Williams, a returned South Australian soldier. The artist-soldier is well known in Adelaide, where he has created unlimited artistic novelties. (Critic, Adelaide Aug. 18 1918)

In September 1918 he organized a fundraising event for Adelaide’s Children’s Hospital appeal. It included two ballets, The Call of France and The Peacock, for which he had designed flamboyant sets and costumes.

DRESS REHEARSAL FOR ‘THE CALL OF FRANCE
SCENE FROM ‘THE PEACOCK’

Lady Galway, was enchanted by William’s originality. She invited him to Government House to meet Dame Nellie Melba. Pictures of the ballets scenes were shown to Melba and subsequently she visited the artist’s studio to inspect more of his work. This led to her commissioning Williams to design the sets for an opera in Melbourne at the end of the year; Orfeo. by Christoph Gluck. Williams was a house guest at Melba’s Coombe Cottage for several months, as the details for the show were worked out.

DAME NELLIE MELBA

The opera was performed on December 5 and 7, by Melba’s students from the Conservatorium of Music.

In May 1919 the two ballets were staged in Melbourne at the King’s Theatre, as part of a variety matinee. Among those who attended was the musical and comedic star, Sir Harry Lauder, who was touring Australia. In the publicity poster below the arrow points to Williams.

THE ANZAC ARTIST OFF TO ENGLAND

Success in Melbourne fired Williams with the desire to try his luck overseas.

A ‘BON VOYAGE TEA’

The, Lady Mayoress, (Mrs W.W. Cabena) gave a charming afternoon tea party in her suite of rooms at the Town Hall, on June 16, to say farewell to Mr Frank Williams, the young Adelaide Anzac artist, who recently organised a matinee for the Children’s Hospital appeal, and produced his two artistic ballets. At the end of this month he is to leave for England to continue his art career in Paris, where Melba has promised to help him in any way possible. (Australasian, Jun. 21 1919)

Williams settled down to life in London and Paris. It would be eventful, say the least!

TO CONTINUE READING FRANK’S STORY, CLICK HERE.

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