The Lost History of Sidney Nolan’s Adelaide Ladies

In 1964, after travelling to the Adelaide Festival, iconic Australian artist Sidney Nolan painted 60 portraits of women to represent Australia’s modern identity. With affection, he dubbed the works his Adelaide Ladies. Sixty years on Nolan author and scholar, Andrew Turley, reveals the themes, hidden identities and secrets buried in their paint.

About the Speaker

Andrew Turley is a researcher, writer, curator and authority on iconic Australia artist Sidney Nolan. He has dedicate the last twelve years to unearthing the unknown histories of the artist's culturally significant mid-twentieth century works, including Auschwitz, the Adelaide Ladies, and Africa. His essays, interviews, book extracts and exhibitions have been published in The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian, the National Portrait Gallery, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and by London's ArtLyst.

This event is presented by David Roche Gallery as part of South Australia’s History Festival 2026, and is supported by the Sidney Nolan Trust.

Ticket includes one beverage on arrival.

Limited parking available on-site.

Wheelchair accessible.

Banner image: Sidney Nolan scholar and author Andrew Turley with Sidney Nolan's 'Country Woman' 1964. Copyright Sidney