J. R. Tranthim-Fryer facts for kids

John Robertson Tranthim-Fryer (born in 1858, died in 1928) was an important Australian artist and teacher. He is best known for being the first director of what is now Swinburne Technical College in Victoria, Australia. He helped many students learn about art and design.

A Young Artist's Journey

John Robertson Fryer was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He was the only son of James and Marianne Fryer. From a young age, John loved art. An artist named William Schuetz encouraged his talent.

In 1884, John took art classes at the Sydney Technical College. He was very good at it! He even won a scholarship, which is like a special award that pays for more schooling. This allowed him to study for two more years. In 1889, he earned a special qualification from a famous art school in England called South Kensington.

In 1890, he started using the name Tranthim-Fryer. He became the secretary of Tasmania's Technical Education Board. He also taught art at the Hobart Technical College. In 1896, he took a year off to study at the Lambeth School of Sculpture in London. He even worked as an assistant to a famous sculptor, E. Onslow Ford. While he was in England, his wife, Charlotte, studied singing.

Returning to Australia

Tranthim-Fryer came back to Australia around 1900. He had learned a lot and gained many skills in England. His wife also continued her music studies with famous teachers.

After a short time in Hobart, they moved to Melbourne. John opened his own art studio. He also showed his sculptures and art at different exhibitions, like those held by the Victorian Artists' Society.

He became an art director at several schools:

• In 1903, he worked at the Sale School of Mines and Arts.
• In 1904, he directed the Working Men's College and School of Art in Horsham.
• In 1905, he became an art teacher at Gordon Technical College in Geelong.

Leading Swinburne Technical College

In 1908, a new school called the Eastern Suburbs Technical College was started in Hawthorn, Melbourne. It was supported by important people like George Swinburne.

In December 1908, Tranthim-Fryer was chosen to be the director of this new college. It officially opened on February 10, 1909. In 1912, the college became a government school and was renamed Swinburne Technical College. Tranthim-Fryer stayed on as director. Under his leadership, the school became a very respected place for learning.

He retired in June 1928 because he was not well. He passed away a few weeks later.

Other Talents

Besides being a talented artist, Tranthim-Fryer was also a good cellist. He often played music while his wife sang at social events.

Awards and Groups

Tranthim-Fryer was part of several important art groups:

• He helped start the Melbourne Arts and Crafts Society and was its president for many years (1900–1917).
• He was also a member of the Victorian Artists' Society council. He showed his sculptures and special copper artworks called repoussé at their exhibitions.
• He also exhibited his art with the Yarra Sculptors Society.

There is a special plaque at Swinburne Technical College that honors him. It was made by the artist Paul Raphael Montford. The plaque says:

"In memory of John Robertson Tranthim-Fryer, the first Director of this College 1908–1928. His rare gifts and charming personality were an inspiration to students and staff alike. Greatly respected — A Christian Gentleman. Died July 13th 1928."

Famous Artworks

Here are some of the artworks Tranthim-Fryer created:

• A statue of Queen Victoria in Hyde Park, Sydney, which was unveiled in 1888.
• A memorial plaque for George William Torrance at Trinity College, Melbourne.
• A bronze statue called The Spirit of the Commonwealth or Federation.
• A special copper plaque with Hebrew writing for a children's ward at the Alfred Hospital.
• Another similar plaque in memory of Queen Victoria at the Melbourne Hospital for Sick Children.
• A sculpture titled Aristocrat chez lui, ouvrier chez nous (around 1910), which is now at the National Gallery of Australia.
• Some of his artwork is kept at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart.

His Family

In 1890, John Robertson Tranthim-Fryer married Charlotte Alice Bechervaise. Charlotte was a very talented and qualified singer and teacher. She passed away in 1927.

They had a son named Philip Cecil Tranthim-Fryer (born in 1901, died in 1988). Philip also enjoyed singing, but he did not do it professionally.

Three months before he passed away, in 1928, John married Ethel Andrews. Ethel had been one of his first wife's singing students back in 1904.