Thea Proctor, The Bath.
Thea's World
05 April 2005
When artist Thea Proctor died nearly 40 years ago she left behind so much more than simply her collection of art works. Proctor was undoubtedly one of the most important Australian modern artists of the twentieth century – with a career that spanned seven decades and canvassed everything from the visual arts to design, interior decoration, fashion and even flower arranging, she was an influential arbiter of taste and style as well as an artist.
The World of Thea Proctor, opening at National Portrait Gallery at Old Parliament House in Canberra this week, will be the largest ever exhibition of her work – across all the mediums – with items drawn from the personal collections of Proctor, her friends, such as fellow artist George Lambert, as well as all the state and national galleries and several private collections both here and overseas.
Proctor spent the early years of her career in Edwardian London before settling in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. While a close friend of Lambert’s, who famously painted her portrait several times, Proctor was also closely involved with a number of other artists and designers including Grace Cossington Smith and Marion Hall Best. Proctor’s art and ideas were at the forefront of contemporary art and design in Australia and her thoughts on colour, art, fashion, ballet and all else were widely published and influential.
Essays by Barry Humphries, Andrew Sayers and Sarah Engledow feature in the accompanying catalogue and Humphries writes:
“Deriving a little perhaps from French artists of the twenties, she adds an Australian inflection all her own. There is a joie de vivre in these ladies with their sun hats and parasols disporting themselves at picnics at Balmoral Beach and… in Centennial Park…
“Her watercolours and graphic work are amongst the best decorative pictures made in their period, in Australia or anywhere. Now taste has swung in her favour and the present exhibition is a long overdue tribute to Proctor’s work.”
More Information
The World of Thea Proctor
National Portrait Gallery, Old Parliament House, Canberra
8 April – 19 June
Open daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: Adults: $2 Child/Concession: $1 Family: $5
More information phone 02 6270 8210 or see the website
