Betty Temple Watts
Betty Temple Watts (1901–1992) was a scientific illustrator who was employed to provide water-colour paintings of birds for several works published by the CSIRO. She began her training in art during her youth, but her first work was not published until 1952. She was introduced to scientists at Canberra, and she moved to the capital in 1958. Her publications include:
- Birds in the Australian high country (1969, 2nd ed. 1984)
- Pigeons and doves of Australia (1982)
Betty Temple Watts | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1901 |
| Died | 1992 (aged 90–91) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Known for | Scientific illustrations |
Both works were edited by the CSIRO chief Harry Frith. Some of Temple Watts' works are held at the National Library of Australia. Her illustrations for Diurnal birds of prey (1960) are noted for the incorporation of biological aspects of raptors, in the act of hunting or reproduction, and figured with typical postures and in flight.[1]
In 1965 she designed new three postage stamps in decimal currency – 6¢ blue-faced honeyeater, 13¢ avocet and 24¢ kingfisher. Five of her earlier designs were adapted for decimal currency – 5¢ yellow-tailed thornbill, 15¢ galah, 20¢ golden whistler, 25¢ scarlet robin and 30¢ straw-necked ibis.[2]
Her life and works are the subject of a book.[3]
References
- Olsen, Penny (2015). Australian Predators of the Sky. National Library of Australia. pp. 23, 194. ISBN 9780642278562.
- "For women Designer of eight decimal stamps". The Canberra Times. Vol. 40, no. 11, 308. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 9 November 1965. p. 12. Retrieved 27 November 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
- Temple-Watts, Viola (2011). The Quintessential Bird: the Art of Betty Temple Watts. Canberra, Australia: National Library of Australia. ISBN 978-0-642-27731-2.