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Violet Teague

Violet Teague (1872–1951) was among Edwardian Australia's most fashionable and assured portraitists, although the art historical establishment was slow to acknowledge it.

2 portraits in the collection

Eccleston Du Faur, 1911

Gift of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service 2020

Mary Chomley, 1909

Purchased with the assistance of funds provided by Jillian Broadbent AC 2021

Off her own bat

Joanna Gilmour profiles Violet Teague, whose sophisticated works hid her originality and non-conformity in plain sight.

The Cosmopolitans

Spanning the 1880s to the 1930s, this collection display celebrates the innovations in art – and life – introduced by the generation of Australians who travelled to London and Paris for experience and inspiration in the decades either side of 1900.

Women make history

Jennifer Higgie uncovers the intriguing stories behind portraits of women by women in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

Rubina Namatjira

Rubina (Ilkalita) Namatjira (1903–1974) was a Kukatja woman and the wife of famous Western Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira.

1 portrait in the collection

Finding Mrs Frisby

Robyn Sweaney's quiet Violet obsession.

Ngarranggarni

The third row of paintings come from Ngarranggarni (Dreaming).

Shirley Purdie

Born: 1947, Gilbun – Mabel Downs Station, WA
Works: Warmun, WA

Storytelling

The fourth row of paintings interweave Ngarranggarni, memories, relationships and Country.

Memories

The second row of paintings recall stories relating to specific sites, experiences and activities.

Stephanie Alexander AO

Stephanie Alexander AO (b. 1940), cook, restaurateur, food writer and philanthropist, has been a major influence on Australian food and culinary culture for 50 years.

1 portrait in the collection

Painters' paradise

Andrew Sayers feels the warmth in the paintings Matthew Perceval made while the sun shone in southern France.

Skin names

The first row of paintings depict stories relating to kinship, introducing significant women relatives.

A potpourri of portraits

Archie 100 curator (and detective) Natalie Wilson’s nationwide search for Archibald portraits unearthed the fascinating stories behind some long-lost treasures.