The Lost History of Sidney Nolan’s Adelaide Ladies
The Lost History of Sidney Nolan’s Adelaide Ladies | Thursday 7 May
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.
As part of South Australia’s History Festival, join us on Thursday 7 May from 6:00pm–7:15pm in the Roman Room for fresh insights into this significant yet overlooked series in Nolan’s career.
About the Speaker
Andrew Turley is a researcher, writer, curator and authority on iconic Australia artist Sidney Nolan. He has dedicated 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.
When:
Thursday 7 May | 6:00pm–7:15pm
Cost:
$25
Limited parking available on-site.
Wheelchair accessible.
Image: Sidney Nolan, Country Woman, 1964, private collection. © Sidney Nolan Trust
Secure your spot now!