J S Watkins Portrait (William Henry Warren)

Although there is no official record, it is known from newspaper articles that the subject of this portrait by JS Watkins was William Henry Warren (1852–1926), professor of engineering at the University of Sydney.

The Daily Telegraph critic stated, ‘There is some good work in Mr JS Watkins’ portrait of Dr Warren, Professor of Engineering, Sydney University, but the composition as a whole lacks distinction.’

In August 1922, the artist exhibited the work in the Royal Art Society’s exhibition, with the Sydney Mail review noting, ‘At the end of the room is a portrait of Professor Warren, of Sydney University, in scarlet robes … it is reasonable to expect, from the name of the [artist], [this work] should be better drawn and painted … Professor Warren’s flesh colours are muddy, and his hand, holding a pair of glasses is clumsy.’ The Sydney Morning Herald writer, however, observed, ‘The luscious scarlet quality of the draperies has been broadly and effectively treated, and the animated character of the likeness completes the work.’

The portrait is now in the University of Sydney collection. Presented by former students to the university in 1926, for many decades it hung in the Great Hall.