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Margaret Olley was the ultimate artist’s artist. From her time as a student at the National Art School (NAS) in Darlinghurst, she formed many Life-long friendships with fellow students such as William Dobell, Donald Friend and Jeffery Smart
So it could not be more appropriate than to hold the viewings and this auction within the very walls where Margaret started her extraordinary life journey as an emerging contemporary artist of her day.
Originally an 18th century prison - Darlinghurst Gaol - the Art School campus compound holds an equally fascinating and arresting Insight into the tough and now seemingly distant times of the 19th century convict era.

Almost half a century later to when Margaret Olley studied there, The NAS continues to support Australia’s budding talent as it did for Margaret and her contemporaries,

Margaret Olley became a great philanthropist of the arts, and we invite you to help continue her legacy and become
engaged with the National Art School and consider donating to this institution.
All proceeds from the auction are pledged to the Margaret Olley Art Trust, which is charged with continuing her support of the arts.
We look forward to sharing with you at the viewings, a glimpse into the life of this extraordinary artist, Many of the ceramics, sculptural pieces and flower arrangements have featured in her still life’s and we have sought to re-create some of these domestic gatherings within the photography that we have composed for this catalogue.
I would like to publicly thank the executors, Philip Bacon and Christine France, for entrusting this significant auction to Mossgreen and it is with great pride in association that we hold this event for the late and truly great Margaret Olley.

Paul Sumner
Managing Director Mossgreen




“..it’s not fashionable these days to celebrate life. But! suppose that’s what I do... I have an absolute obsession to paint. I go to bed and I can ‘t wait to wake up and be painting again:’ Margaret Olley.

Margaret Olley was widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant painters of still life and is a much-loved
member of the Australian art community.
Her extensive travels, and her enthusiasm for painting excursions and museum visiting, established her creative vision. Throughout her travels Margaret Olley collected a vast array of objects with which she created her unique home environment. This environment has often provided the setting not only for her work but also for her lively social engagements.

Christine France
France, Christine. Margaret Olley. Craftsman House, Sydney 2002. (Edited)

30 Jun 2013 ~ 2.30pm

National Art School
Forbes Street
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia

28 Jun 2013 ~ 11am - 4.30pm
National Art School
Forbes Street
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Australia

29 Jun 2013 ~ 11am - 5pm
National Art School
Forbes Street
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Australia

30 Jun 2013 ~ 10am - 1pm
National Art School
Forbes Street
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Australia