Early Life, Family and Training
Albert John Sherman enters the scene in 1882, born in Truro, Cornwall, England. He grows up in the shadow of his father, Thomas Sherman, a man whose hands are accustomed to the precise, decorative work of a carriage painter. The household is situated on Carclew Street in Truro, a setting that provides the backdrop for his formative years in the Cornish landscape.
Training begins in earnest through formal study. He moves through the halls of the Central Technical School before refining his craft at the Truro School of Art. These institutions provide the technical foundation for a life defined by the study of botanical forms. His early years are marked by this rigorous instruction, bridging the gap between the practical craftsmanship of his father's trade and the disciplined observation required of a painter.
Life and Career in Australia
The transition from the United Kingdom to the Southern Hemisphere arrives in 1922. Following his service with the navy, Sherman emigrates to Australia alongside his wife, Ethel. He quickly establishes a presence within the local art community, securing a position as a fellow of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales by 1928.
The late 1930s mark a period of significant visibility. In 1938, he holds a solo exhibition in Sydney, followed closely by another solo exhibition in Melbourne in 1939. These exhibitions solidify his reputation as a prolific painter of flowers. His technical precision and focus on botanical subjects define his professional output during these decades.
Sherman remains active in the Australian art scene until his death on 11 January 1971.
Key Works and Publications
The market for his floral studies reached a significant peak in 1989. That year, Sotheby's auctioned Still Life with Roses and Mixed Blooms, which fetched a price of $30,800. This transaction highlights the enduring value placed on his botanical compositions.
His reputation was further solidified through a dedicated publication. In 1955, Angus & Robertson released The Flower Paintings of Albert Sherman. This book was produced in a limited edition of only 1,000 copies, making it a rare physical record of his output.
His technical precision is captured in several notable pieces held in major collections. One such work, Peonies, dating from about 1936, was acquired by the Art Gallery of NSW. The piece demonstrates the meticulous detail that defined his career.
Where to See the Works Today
The legacy of Albert John Sherman remains anchored in major institutional collections across Australia. His botanical studies and still lifes find permanent homes within the Art Gallery of NSW. These works sit alongside the National Art Gallery, ensuring his presence in the country's primary art repositories. His ability to render light and form is preserved in these public spaces, where his paintings continue to be studied and viewed.
Beyond the major metropolitan centers, his presence extends into various regional galleries. These collections hold pieces that reflect his prolific output during his years in Australia. Many of his paintings also reside in private collections, held by individual collectors who have acquired his work through auctions or private sales. This distribution of his oeuvre spans from large-scale public institutions to more intimate, private settings.
