not titled [portrait of man wearing head scarf and red beaded necklace]

Charles G. Jackson was a British civilian interned in Changi during the Second World War. Already in his sixties Jackson was a long time resident of Singapore (arrived in 1901), a trained artist he was an active member of the arts community. Along with fellow expatriate artist Richard Walker he was a member of the Singapore Art Club and the Penang Impressionists. Following the war Jackson became President of the YMCA Art Club.

In the nominal role of Changi and Sime Road civilian internment camps Jackson listed his occupation as Government Servant before crossing it out and writing 'Retired'. In another he is listed as 'Artist'. Jackson continue to make Art despite the harsh conditions in the camps making the most of limited art supplies and equipment. This portrait, which may be of a fellow internee, was made using a wax etching technique invented by Jackson out of necessity. (See AWM2016.561.2 for description).

This is one of two prints donated from the Estate of Colin Tarleton Thane NX51415 (b. Mayala 1918; d. Foster, NSW 2013). Thane was born in Malaya where his father managed rubber plantations and was educated at Scots College in Sydney. He served with the Australian Army Service Corps and came over to Mayala with the 8th Division on the Queen Mary in February 1941. During the evacuation of Singapore Thane escaped on the 'Empire Star' (one of the last ships to clear Singapore) and was badly wounded by shrapnel when the vessel was bombed by the Japanese. Following 6 months in hospital in Ceylon he was repatriated to Australia.

Therefore Thane did not meet Jackson in Changi and was not in Singapore in 1945 when these prints were created so how did they come into his possession? Following the war Thane returned to Singapore, where he met his wife Dorothy 'Dorrie' Godfrey. An inscription on the backing board with the prints states that 'Dorrie' was Charles Jackson's niece.