NORMAN LINDSAY

Norman and Rose LindsayNorman was one of ten children of Dr and Mrs Charles Lindsay, of Creswick, Victoria. Remarkably, five of their progeny became artists of distinction. He is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest artists.

From an early age, Norman showed an outstanding ability to draw. He became the principal cartoonist for the Bulletin magazine, fought many controversies against "wowsers", particularly defending his right to paint the nude, wrote novels and children's books including 'The Magic Pudding' and also made ship models and garden sculptures.

His major work was, however, the torrent of pen drawings, etchings, watercolours and oil paintings, all of which are well represented at 'Springwood' (the Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum). His artwork is widely collected and many works reside within private and corporate collections. His art continues to climb in value today. In 2002, a record price was attained by his oil painting, Spring's Innocence, which sold to the National Gallery of Victoria for $AU333,900.