Comments on: Swanning through the Outback

By: Peter MacDonald

Peter MacDonald — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 04:53:53 +0000

In reply to Gavin Weston. Bruce Swann was indeed a fine artist and I am often reminded of his work in my travels. Best. Peter

By: Gavin Weston

Gavin Weston — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:26:12 +0000

As an 18 year old I Jackerooed on Yudnapinna Station for 2 years. Later I traveled the outback covering from Commonwealth Hill to Arkaroola as a traveller for Elder Smith & Co Ltd., and as a Carerpillar Rep for the SA Tractor Company Limited. This job took me into the opal fields of Andamooka and Coober Pedy. On my early visits to Coober Pedy I stayed in the underground accommodation of the school teachers at the local school. I did all of my traveling in the outback in two wheel drive cars, except for one year I was supplied an Austin Gypsy 4WD. I also went west along the Great Australian Bight beyond Penong. I have a colour photo I took of the cairn at the head of the Great Australian Bight in 1958. I really appreciate the work of Bruce Swan.

By: Malcolm Arnold

Malcolm Arnold — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:54:39 +0000

It pleases me no end to have a look at your images .The historical old buildings in our arid areas truly tell a tale of hardship and struggle but there is also a romance about them . Bruce Swann was a very good friend of mine . Before his untimely death we spent many wonderful hours together . In those days I used to sketch similar subject mater to bruce .We shared locations when looking for something interesting . His wife Clem was/is ( haven’t heard from Clem for many years) also a wonderful person . Bruce actually got into his art because of a massive heart attack . I will tell you a little story re this . I was/am very close friends with the nurse who treated Bruce when he was hospitalised after this attack . I , at her request , invited Bruce and Clem to my friends little cottage in the Barossa Valley . Margaret is the greatest cook so a banquet was on hand . much red wine and many tales were told .At about 3 pm Clem gave Bruce a kick under the table . Bruce let out a great cackle . He told us that this was a signal from Clem that was always prearranged . IF the dinner or occassion was boring it was a signal to get out any way they could .If the day was going well then they stayed .it must have been going well for they stayed for two days .On the second day Bruce wandered off down the road .he came back with a beautiful drawing of Margaret and her husband,s cottage . Now a wonderful and cherished gift .yes Bruce was a true gentleman and just great bloke .I will remember him well .In fact I was having a joint exhibition with him when the news came through that he had died . Fond , fond memories came flooding back when looking at this blog page of yours THANK YOU Malcolm