ABSTRACT
On the Waterfront: Reade's Creative Development within an Industrial Environment (1954–1956) investigates the influences that shaped Reade's creative expression. During the 1950s, he worked as a wharf labourer and became a Sydney Branch member of the Waterside Workers' Federation (WWF). In this environment he embraced the union's philosophical desire to link cultural activity to the industrial and political struggles of the union. His creative output during this period was stimulated by the efforts of Australian social realist artists and the support of the Wharfies Art Group. He applied himself to political cartooning for left-wing Australian publications and became involved with the Waterside Workers' Federation Film Unit (WWFFU). Through the work of the Unit, he was introduced to the process of animation production.
