The 1944 Archibald Prize Controversy and Kiama’s Mystery Visitor

Kiama resident Dr Peter Edwell, and Associate Professor at Macquarie University will tell the story of the major scandal over William Dobell’s winning Archibald Prize portrait. A controversial painting. A roll call of Australia’s best artists. A court case. And social commentary that divided public opinion in war-time Australia.

The court case was attended by a who’s who of the art world of the time, and those in the highest offices of power in the first half of 20th century Australia. Among these people was actor Noël Coward who was spotted taking a relaxing break in Kiama.

Saturday 13 June, 2 pm, Kiama Library Auditorium.

$3 KHS members, $5 guests. Includes afternoon tea. No pre-booking needed