painter, illustrator and art teacher, was born on the Isle of Man, UK in 1859 [or 1860?]. Studied at the York School of Art and later under Henry Moore RA. Came to South Australia, where he conducted the Norwood Art School in 1885-95. He drew for the Adelaide Lantern (1874-90), according to William Moore ( SAA ii, p.121), but is best known for establishing the Academy of Arts, Adelaide, which he directed until 1927. Taught Hans Heysen and Will Ashton (his son). Art Master at Prince Alfred College 1887-1926. In 1895 his academy was affiliated with the Royal Drawing Society, London. Member RAS London. Often painted marine paintings. Note: works signed 'J. Ashton’ are almost always by James Ashton; Julian Ashton invariably signed 'J.R. Ashton’.

J. Ashton of Norwood exhibited in the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition 1888-89, South Australian court, Class 1 [Oil paintings] cat. no. 2 'Evening at Knightsbridge’, 'Old Age’, 'Home, Sweet Home’, 'Early Morning, Onkaparinga River’ etc; Class 2 [Various paintings, drawings etc], 'Granite Island. Port Victor’ (black and white), 'Toilers of the Deep’ etc ( Official Record p. 551). Exhibited Society of Artists Commonwealth Exhibition 1901.

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Writers:

Kerr, Joan

Date written:

1996

Last updated:

2007