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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

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Bill Dyson and Rose, Northwood

c. 1903
an unknown artist

gelatin silver photograph on paper (sheet: 21.4 cm x 16.4 cm, image: 21.0 cm x 15.8 cm)
Bill Dyson and Rose, Northwood

Rose Lindsay (née Soady, 1885-1978), artist's model, posed for Sydney Long, Antonio Dattilo Rubbo and Fred Leist before she met Norman Lindsay in 1902. By 1903 she was installed in his Rowe Street studio rooms as his model and lover, and they later married. Rose continued as Lindsay's principal model, becoming possibly the most frequently painted woman in the history of Australian art. She wrote two books on her life, Ma and Pa: My Childhood Memories (1963) and Model Wife: my life with Norman Lindsay (1967).

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.
2008.96
Currently not on display
Request a digital copy for publication

Artist and subject

Rose Lindsay (age 18 in 1903)

Will Dyson (age 23 in 1903)

Subject professions

Visual arts and crafts

Related portraits
(View all 13)

Melodrama...
Ted Dyson, Bill Dyson (with pipe) and Percy
Percy, Ted Dyson and Bill Dyson
Ruby, Norman, Pearl, Percy, Reg, Bill Dyson and Mary in Creswick garden
1. Melodrama..., c. 1900. 2. Ted Dyson, Bill Dyson (with pipe) and Percy, c. 1899. 3. Percy, Ted Dyson and Bill Dyson, c. 1899. 4. Ruby, Norman, Pearl, Percy, Reg, Bill Dyson and Mary in Creswick garden, c. 1899. All an unknown artist.

Related information

The Companion

Permanent collection catalogue

Café and shop

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.
Rose Lindsay
Rose Lindsay
Rose Lindsay
Rose Lindsay

Charmed by the Rose

Magazine article by Anthony Browell, 2004

Anthony Browell reminisces about meeting Rose Lindsay, the wife of Australian artist Norman Lindsay.
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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