- AU NLA 1484398
- Person
- 1887-1982
Charles John Newcombe Callins was born in Hughenden, North Queensland, in 1887. He worked as a printer for many years, retiring from The Brisbane Telegraph in 1947. As a painter, Callins was considered a leading Queensland figure in the 'primitive' school of art. His exhibiting career began in 1953 after Dr Gertrude Langer praised the work of the modern primitives in the exhibition of 'French Painting Today’ at the Queensland Art Gallery. 'Gentle Repose', Callins's first exhibited work, was included in the second annual exhibition of Queensland Artists of Fame and Promise later the same year. Callins continued to submit his paintings to local prize competitions somewhat sporadically over more than two decades. His first solo exhibition was held at the Johnstone Gallery, Brisbane, in 1957 and his work was included in group exhibitions of works by like artists at galleries across Australia in the 1960s and 1970s. For further information, see Glenn R Cooke, 'Biography of Charles Callins', Design and Art Australia Online.