J F Norton b. 1861

Also known as John Frederick Norton
  • Artist (Painter)
J F Norton was a prolific early 20th century Melbourne painter of landscapes evoking the settler era. His training unknown and he seems not to have exhibited or participated in art societies.
Tags: landscape painter
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John Frederick Norton was a prolific genre painter of landscapes, river scenes with rustic cottages swagman and so forth evoking pioneer settlers in the bush in oil and watercolour, at modest scale and low artistic execution. He was active from 1890-1934. Not to be confused with late 19th century Melbourne photographer John Norton. He was awarded an auctioneer license in 1888 in Geelong and and listed as such in the Geelong Lodge of Unity Prudence in 1888.

AASD and artprice list some 180 works in oil and watercolour coming to auction. TROVE newspaper reports refers only to Norton paintings in estate auctions. His training is unknown but the earliest works at auction date to 1890 most are 1898 on and include a number of paintings in his known style style dated 1931-1934. He seems not to have exhibited in salons or art societies.

John Frederick Norton married Amelia Beales in 1884 and the couple had several children. They moved to Melbourne by 1903 living mostly in Brunswick. At her death in 1918 Amelia left several Melbourne properties including the family home for many years at 88 Barrow Street Brunswick, to her children although husband John was a resident and executor. He moved to 52 Barrow street by 1928. John and Amelia buried in Coburg cemetery.

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2025
Last updated:
2025

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Date modified July 21, 2025, 4:39 p.m. July 20, 2025, 4:13 p.m.