Ticketed entry is in place to safely manage your visit so please book ahead. Need to cancel or rejig? Email bookings@npg.gov.au
Video: 2 minutes
View the video transcript
Narrator: Perhaps you’re wondering who she was. Well, she was Hilda Spong. Miss Hilda Spong. And she was a star.
Perhaps the first Australian to conquer the theatres of London’s West End, and to have Broadway at her feet. The Cate Blanchett of her day, do you think? Or the Nicole Kidman? She had the fame, the fans, the glowing reviews, the scandals, and the love affairs. The portrait remains. Her performances do not.
We perhaps think that she looks quaint and pleasant rather than glamorous and fascinating. Well, tastes change. But in her day, she was Miss Hilda Spong, with love.
Related people
Sign up to our newsletter
Related information




An actress and her fans
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2008Dr. Sarah Engledow discovers the amazing life of Ms. Hilda Spong, little remembered star of the stage, who was captured in a portrait by Tom Roberts.



The Gallery
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.



Plan your visit
Timed ticketing, location, accessibility and amenities



Support your Portrait Gallery
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!