Margaret Baskerville’s Soldier

A short stroll from the Central Goldfields Art Gallery is Maryborough’s remarkable WWI “Digger” memorial, sculpted by Margaret Baskerville. Join one of the tours to learn about Baskerville’s life and work how the Maryborough Women’s Patriotic League insisted that a woman sculptor be commissioned.

Margaret Francis Ellen Baskerville (1861-1930) stood out from what the Herald newspaper referred to in 1930 as women “muddling in clay”. She is widely regarded as Victoria’s first professional female sculptor.

Born in Melbourne and educated in Ballarat, she studied at the National Gallery School and worked for the Victorian Education Department. Although she produced watercolours and oil paintings her preference was for sculpture. In 1904 she attended the Royal College of Art, later touring Europe.

Her first major commission was a memorial to Sir Thomas Bent, Brighton Mayor and 22nd Premier of Victoria. Other notable works included a memorial to Edith Cavell and another less elaborate “digger” memorial in Alexandra.

Two Tours available: 11:00am & 2:00pm, Sunday 7 May

Bookings essential

For more information venue parking please visit www.centralgoldfieldsartcgallery.com.au

Featured photo: WWI Maryborough War Memorial (detail) Photographer: Barbara Nielsen 2023.