We were saddened to learn of the recent death of WA artist Cedric Baxter, aged 93.
Not only was he an accomplished painter, he was a charming gentleman.
Born in Burma, Cedric arrived in Perth at the age of 13, after his parents fled their homeland during World War Two, and four years later he landed a job as a graphic artist at WA Newspapers.
For years he worked alongside cartoonist Paul Rigby – father of Starfish publisher Peter – “and we had many a laugh at work!” he told us in 2016, at a Linton & Kay Gallery exhibition of his works.
More than 60 years ago, Cedric painted a portrait of Starfish contributor Margot Lang, when she was in her early 20s, and also working at WA Newspapers at 125 St George’s Terrace. (Her father Griff, then the editor of The West Australian, purchased the picture from Cedric and it now hangs on Margot’s wall.)
Away from the demands of work, he kept up his painting and forged a reputation for his sensuous and colourful works, influenced by Matisse, Picasso, Klimt and Gaugin – and, on occasion, photos within the vintage Playboys he would sometimes flip through for inspiration.
“I love the female form. There’s nothing more beautiful!” he confided.
Art aside, Cedric also worked as an international sports administrator, specialising in badminton, and won an Order Of Australia for his work in sport.
Our deepest sympathies to Cedric’s wife Pat and to his family.
Lovely, sensitive piece Jac. I love the connections you make, in this case back to Pete’s dad and your mum. Lovely. BC.
A lovely piece about Cedric Baxter – a fine artist and a fine man