Edith Neish (Broadfoot)
RGGS student 1928-1931
Edith Neish (Broadfoot) was a renowned Rockhampton Artist. During her time, she sketched 83 fine old buildings in Winton, Longreach, Emerald, Rockhampton and Yeppoon.
She was born in Brisbane on 6 January 1914. At aged fourteen, her father was transferred to Rockhampton and Edith commenced at Girls Grammar School, majoring in Music and Art.
Miss Copas, the Art teacher, suggested to her parents that Edith continue with art lessons at the Technical College, under the guidance of Miss Reid, who was well known as a talented and excellent teacher
Chipps and Nichols at that time were well-known Architects in Rockhampton and also had an advertising business ‘Art Ads Advertising’ where Edith worked as a Commercial Artist.
Edith bought the business from Chipps and Nichols and started her own studio in Quay Street. She illustrated in catalogues issued by James Stewart & Co and J.S. Lucas, the two variety stores, and for Kirby & Co and the City Printing Works. She also worked for the Morning Bulletin, making slides for the picture theatres.
In 1941, Edith married John Neish who was General Manager at Burns & Twigg. In 1962, she returned to her Art Teacher, Miss Reid and did a course in Oil and China Painting. Later she exhibited in many galleries and had paintings hanging in private homes and organizations in Rockhampton and in the Ibusuki Gallery (Sister city of Rockhampton).
In 1981, she illustrated a book in pen and ink, Sketches of Old Rockhampton, with co-author Dr Lorna McDonald. Edith died in March 2001 aged 87. She had just completed the final sketches for another book on Central Queensland’s history.