“The Gap Store, Alice Springs". 20th century oil Australian outback painting by listed artist Leslie A. Campbell

This 20th century oil painting by listed artist Leslie A. Campbell is a fantastic depiction of outback life. Titled “The Gap Store, Alice Springs”, this depicts the old general store outside Heavitree Gap, a historic site and important sacred site the Arrernte people. The Gap was named by William Mills, the Overland Telegraph line surveyor who discovered the location for Alice Springs.

In its original frame with good gilding, the hazy atmospheric blue so signature of the Australian outback is beautifully depicted. While not much information can be found about the old Gap general store, but this is quite possibly a location where Mona Minahan worked, who arrived in Alice Springs in 1931 and who became the first barmaid in Central Australia. “She ran Joe’s store opposite the Stuart Arms, then had her own store.  Later she opened the Centralian Traders then the Riverside Hotel in partnership with Joe Costello.”

What is certain is that this offers a rare glimpse into the deep heart of the Australian Outback circa 1950s-60s, during a time when settling in the area possessed unique hardships.

Leslie A. Campbell, the artist, was born in 1925 and studied at the National Art School New South Wales during the 1930s. During World War II, he served in the RAAF from 1943 to 1946. Moving to New Zealand in the 1970s, he exhibited in both countries and was a painting of some note. The original verso notes that Campbell's address was Princess Highway, Bomaderry New South Wales; this places the painting in the first half of the artist’s life; as a side note, the painting was $19.50AUD  which adjusted for inflation was approximately $650AUD.

Price marked at $800 AUD.

Painting dimensions are approximately 22.5 by 7 cm.

Framed dimensions approximately 37 by 32cm

Excellent vintage condition. Light wear to gilding commensurate with age. 

References:

https://wmoa.com.au/herstory2017/woman/haines-monica-augustine-minihan-1897