Ticketed entry is in place to safely manage your visit so please book ahead. Need to cancel or rejig? Email bookings@npg.gov.au
Sir Henry Bolte KCMG (1908-90) was Victorian's longest serving Premier from 1955 until his retirement in 1972. Bolte, who had a reputation for acerbic one-liners, successfully exploited his image as a man of the people. While he was responsible for key social reforms such as increased rights for Aborigines, extension of trading hours for shops and pubs, and the compulsory wearing of seatbelts, Bolte's real passion was for economic progress. He led many delegations overseas to promote Victoria and to seek investment for its development. However he deeply divided the community with his refusal in 1967 to commute the death sentence for Ronald Ryan, who was the last person to be hanged in Australia. Bolte died of lung cancer, smoking to the end and joking that his last smoke would be in the crematorium.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2004
© Estates of Les Tanner and Gus McLaren
Accession number: 2004.175
Copyright image request form
Request a digital copy of an image for publication
Les Tanner (age 42 in 1969)
Gus McLaren (age 46 in 1969)
Sir Henry Bolte KCMG (age 61 in 1969)
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.
An interview with cartoonist Ron Tandberg about the tradition of caricature.
A toast to the acquisition of an unconventional new portrait of former Prime Minister, Stanley Melbourne Bruce.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.