Dame Mary Gilmore DBE (1865-1962) was a poet, journalist and social visionary who campaigned for social reform from a radical standpoint. She was the first female member of the Australian Workers' Union, and from 1908 to 1931 she championed the causes of the underprivileged as editor of the women's page of the Australian Worker. The wild swan, a book of verse excoriating the white settlers' ravaging of the land and destruction of Aboriginal culture, was published in 1930; Under the Wilgas (1932) and subsequent works expanded on this theme. Between 1891 and 1961 at least thirteen portraits were made of Gilmore by various artists, an indication of her importance as patriot, feminist, social crusader and folklorist. She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1937 in recognition of her contribution to Australian life and literature.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Tim Fairfax AC 2003
© Max Dupain/Copyright Agency, 2021
Accession number: 2003.23
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On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
21 December 2020
In their own words lead researcher Louise Maher on the novel project that lets the Gallery’s portraits speak for themselves.
Johanna McMahon revels in history and mystery in pursuit of a suite of unknown portrait subjects.
Dr Sarah Engledow explores the portraits of writers held in the National Portrait Gallery's collection.
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