This painting of “Glenfern” was done by Max in 1984.
The Early Years
Max Boyd was second cousin to the Boyd Dynasty of painters, sculptors, potters and writers sharing a great grandfather, Captain John Theodore Thomas Boyd, of “Glenfern” in East St Kilda, Melbourne.
However, Max being born on the land and unable to access early training, pursued a 30-year corporate career before taking up the palette professionally and claiming his place in the creative Boyd Dynasty.
1915
“Wetheron” by Max Boyd
Robert Max Boyd was born on 18 April, 1915, at the 1848 historic “Wetheron” property near Gayndah, in Southern Queensland.
Because his father was also Robert, he was always known as Max. This is one of many paintings Max did of his birthplace.
1927-28
“Wetheron House” by Max Boyd as a youth.
In Max’s own words, “I grew up on Wetheron Station near Gayndah and went to Gatton Agricultural College.The land is in my blood. My father, Robert, was a member of the Queensland Parliament and I ran the property while he was away”.
Before 1930
Parliament House, Brisbane, by Max Boyd
A very early art work by Max as a student.
While he lived at Wetheron his maternal relatives lived in Brisbane and he often visited their house, “Thoonbah” in Highgate Hill.
His maternal grandfather, A J Thynne, was a member of the Queensland Parliament for 40 years.
1931
Gatton Agricultural College, Central Queensland
This is a sketch of Gatton Agricultural College done by Max, aged 16, during his education there. His grandfather, A J Thynne, then Secretary for Agriculture, helped found the College in 1896..
1930s
Max (front left) was the eldest son of five siblings.
The Boyd family from left – Josephine, Dorothy, (Robert) Max, Peter and (John) Tony. Max was the eldest son.
As of 2018 all are deceased.
1935
Done when Max was 20.
Probably on one of South East Queensland’s Islands where it is believed he spent some of his leisure time after moving to Brisbane.
1930s
These two sketches were done some time after 1935, but probably prior to Max’s four years in the AIF.
They show how ahead of his time, were his foresight and how deep his philosophical thought.
1930s
Max was fascinated by modern transportation.
1939
In Brisbane in 1939, Max married Moya Ransome, a union which lasted for 47 years.
With the outbreak of the Pacific War, Max enlisted in the AIF.
In 1943 their first daughter, Sandra, was born in Cairns, North Queensland.
1940 – 1945
These amazing sketches of his surroundings, during his four years’ service in the Pacific Regional, adorned the letters Max wrote to his wife, Moya, during their separation.
1945
Drawn in April 1945, probably near his location in New Guinea, prior to his return to Australia after the war.
A favourite spot for Moya to stay and possibly a place for Max to recover after his war service.
Once a Main Beach favourite, it has since been replaced with high-rise development.
Max returned to Caltex Oil to complete a successful 30-year career.
Sans Souci Private Hotel, Main Beach, Southport
Done by Max Boyd
