Sam Byrne

Samuel Byrne (1883–1978) was an Australian self-taught folk painter from Broken Hill, New South Wales. A former miner and unionist, he turned to painting in old age and became known for his depictions of civic life in his home town, working life on its mines, as well as events and historical anecdotes. His works are characterised by detail, vivid colours, and a narrative focus often imbued with humour. Byrne emerged from the fringes of an outback mining city and rose to prominence and recognition within Australia's national arts establishment. Despite a late start in life, Byrne managed to build a reputation as one of Australia's “most prolific” and “most celebrated” naïve artists. His works are held by state galleries and the National Gallery of Australia, and have been recognised by commentators as both examples of Australian self-taught art and as records of the mining and folk history of Broken Hill.