Inspired art prize

HE was a bigamist, a deserter, an inept policeman, and drunk who owed money all over town who ultimately died when he fell off his horse – pickled of course, then became the first person buried in Meredith Cemetery.

Now William Dunbar Johnstone has begun the next chapter of his life, as inspiration for an art exhibition and prize in the town. The history of this colourful character drew a large number of artists, who submitted work in a varied number of mediums.

On Sunday, the exhibition was officially opened and the winners announced at the Meredith History Centre. Local historian Margaret Cooper said the group chose Johnstone because of his colourful history.

“He was born in Scotland, went to India in the British army, married there, was sent out to Australia to buy horse, must have forgotten that and joined the police force,” Ms Cooper said.

Fellow historian, Dianne Hughes of Teesdale, said that while she had been transcribing headstones in Meredith she was told about two other headstones in paddocks in the district.

“One was in a paddock on the road to Steiglitz. I was told the inscription was ‘William Dunbar Johnstone’ a mounted policeman who died from a fall from his horse,” Ms Hughes said.

“Unfortunately, his headstone had been destroyed by stock and there was no further information. I discussed the
lost policeman with another researcher, who was experienced in police records.”

It was a long haul but the end result, with input from a number of people, is the history of William Dunbar Johnstone.

Amongst the guests on Sunday were descendants of William Dunbar Johnstone and it was Nelson McKenzie, the great, great, great, great grandson, who spoke on behalf of the family.

“You have already been told about the last three years of his life,” Mr McKenzie said.

“However, there were 34 years of his life that preceded.”

Mr McKenzie spoke about Johnstone’s early life, research that had been done by some of Nelson’s family members.

At the conclusion of the speeches the winners of the art works were announced and visitors stayed on to view all the entries and partake in afternoon tea.

Helena Tapp of Lovely Banks was awarded first prize with her clay sculpture of William Dunbar Johnstone.