Ian Porter (commercial artist)

Thomas Ian Porter (8 December 1906 – 22 September 1989) who was known by his second given name, Ian, or by his initials, TIP, was an Australian commercial artist whose design archive is held by the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.^[5]

Birth and education

Porter was born in the Sydney suburb of Lewisham, New South Wales, the first of three children of May (née Pawley) and Thomas Porter. His younger siblings were Alexia and Alan James, known as Bym Porter. During his childhood, the Porter family lived in Croydon and Collaroy^[6] and he attended Newington College (1920 – 1922).^[7] As a young man he was a talented athlete and was a member of Newington's Junior Team at the 1922 GPS Athletics Carnival.^[8]

Design career

From the 1930s, Porter was a self-employed commercial artist working from 195 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. His clients included Hardie (North British) Rubber Company Ltd, Canada Dry, Rega Products Ltd, Repo, Metters, Liberty, Newback Foundation Garments, David Jones Limited Sydney, Nylcraft Sheers, Mona Vale Hospital, Lyndoch Wines, Coles and Mum. He worked for local subsidiaries of overseas companies as well as Australian based businesses.

War service

Porter served during World War II.^[9]

References