The Cedars White Gloves Talk: Nora Heysen - war artist

Nora Heysen was a trailblazer in the world of Australian women’s art. She was awarded the 1938 Archibald Prize for portraiture, the first woman to do so, and remains its youngest ever winner. In 1943 she was appointed Captain Nora Heysen, the first female official war artist. 

To celebrate the new exhibition 'IN SERVICE: Nora Heysen - war artist', we are hosting two White Gloves events in Nora's original studio at The Cedars. This exclusive talk will commence with a tour of the new 'IN SERVICE: Nora Heysen - war artist' exhibition followed by a 'white glove' session where attendees can view and handle some of the artefacts in the collection and gain extra insight into Nora's war experience. The session will conclude with a Q&A session with exhibition curator, Jill Swann.

Following enlistment in 1943, Captain Nora Heysen’s initial task as war artist was to paint portraits of the commanding officers of the Women's Auxiliary Services. In 1944-45 she travelled to New Guinea and beyond to record the activities of Australian women and men serving behind the lines. Nora Heysen also portrayed the lighter side of the war and was interested in drawing the New Guinea people. Nora Heysen recorded the work of medical staff and researchers in the Blood Bank in Sydney. One of her final tasks was to capture the RAAF nursing sisters serving on evacuation flights from the Pacific regions back to Queensland.

Tickets are strictly limited and include a complimentary coffee/Heysen tea at The Cedars Cafe & Tea Rooms. Book now to secure your spot.

The exhibition IN SERVICE: Nora Heysen - war artist opens at The Cedars on Saturday March 30, and displays works of art and special items held in the Nora Heysen Foundation collection.