Paint Brush - Rowney's Series 62, Ox Hair, circa 1950s-1990s

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This item is on display at Melbourne Museum

Summary:: Alternative Name(s): Paintbrush

Paint brush used by John Rodriquez. The bristles are made from ox hair, strong yet elastic.

John Rodriquez studied art and design at RMIT in the late 1940s and became well known for his screen-printed textile designs in the early 1950s. From 1950 to 1980 he was one of a handful of Australian textile designers who developed a new contemporary style with innovative use of colour. His designs in the early 1950s were mostly of Aboriginal or geometric style. Later he turned to more abstract designs in the Scandinavian style. Later still he made bold use of colour. Rodriquez introduced unique Australian styles which have been imitated often since. He always stressed the importance of innovation. Many homes in Australia and overseas still have his art works in the linen cupboard.

John Rodriquez retired in 1988, handing the Rodriquez company to his son Rimian, who has computerised the screen printing and mostly employs other designers for the products, but still uses a few of his father's most popular designs. Rodriquez passed away in 2000.
Description:: Paint brush with long, tapered wood handle. Blunt end. Cream-coloured bristles of ox hair, cut square at end. Flattened silver metal collar holds bristles to handle. Appears to have little use.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Ms Patricia Rodriquez, 2010

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	24 mm (Width), 327 mm (Length)

Tagged with:	screen printing, handcrafts, artworks
Themes this item is part of:	John Rodriquez Textile Collection, Clothing & Textiles Collection, Domestic & Community Life Collection
On Display at:	Melbourne Museum
Primary Classification:	MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRY
Secondary Classification:	Printmaking
Tertiary Classification:	textiles
Inscriptions:	Printed on handle: ' [sidewars] 1 / ROWNEY'S / MADE / IN / ENGLAND / SERIES 62 OXHAIR'.
User:	John Rodriquez, Victoria, Australia, 1950-1990 Dates are circa
Place & Date Purchased:	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1950