Born in Scotland in 1815, Francis Gibbes is believed to have studied art in Britain before arriving in New South Wales about 1840. Sixteen years or so later he moved to Melbourne and became a professional watercolourist. A prolific painter, he exhibited some 140 paintings in at least 15 exhibitions between 1872 and 1888. Gibbes was elected secretary of the Victorian Academy of Arts in 1870. He lived in New Zealand for some time, probably in the 1880s.
We have records of art auction sales by Francis Gibbes from 1969 and in total 43 works by the artist have been offered for sale, of which 25 (58%) were sold. The highest price recorded for the artist is $2,500 for Fishing on the Yarra sold by Leonard Joel in July 1989. This year one work has been offered for sale.
Francis Blower Gibbes is listed in the following standard biographical references:
Could the second and subsequent works by this artist sold after June 9, 2010 for over $1,000 be liable for the Artists' Resale Royalty? More info…
No, ineligible. The artist has been deceased for more than 70 years.
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