Oswald Brett

1921-2017

Australian (Long Island, New York)

Oswald Longfield Brett was an internationally acclaimed marine painter. Born in Cheltenham, New South Wales, Australia, Brett spent much time sketching ships in Sydney Harbor and imagining the day when he could go to sea. He also drew inspiration for painting from his mother Estelle Brett (née Mutton), a talented amateur portrait and landscape artist. As a teenager, Brett was greatly inspired by the work of masterful Sydney marine artist John Allcot (1888–1973), who became his mentor and lifelong friend. His dream to go to sea became a reality just before the outbreak of World War II, serving on coastal steamers around Australia. He spent the war years aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth mostly between New York and the Firth of Clyde in Scotland.

Late in the War Brett met his future wife Gertrude Steacy. They married in 1944, settling in suburban New York and having two children. During the decade following the war Brett perfected his skill as an artist. Brett made a professional living out of private and corporate commissions. From 1971 to 2002 he enjoyed traveling throughout the world as ship's artist aboard Columbus Line vessels making 20 voyages, each of about 12,000 nautical miles.

Artist profile image: National Maritime Historical Society.