Founder of the Bulletin and life-long patron of the arts, Jules Archibald (1856-1919) was born John Feldham Archibald near Geelong, Victoria in Australia. He later changed his Christian names to Jules François because of his deep interest in France and its people. In 1880 he published the first issue of the Bulletin in association with fellow journalist John Haynes. From that time until he relinquished control of the magazine in 1914 he maintained a policy to publish such Australian talent as Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson and Norman Lindsay.

Archibald's patronage of the arts continues after his death. Provisions in his will included an annual prize for the finest portrait by an Australian artist, the Archibald Prize; and a fountain bearing his name, located in Hyde Park, Sydney, commemorating Australian and French involvement in World War I.