Historical information

Sybil CRAIG (18/11/1901-09/09/1989)
Born London, England
Arrived Melbourne 1902
Died Melbourne, Victoria

Sybil Frances Craig was a student of John Shirlow in 1920 who introduced her to French avant-garde artists such as Matisse and Gauguin. In 1924 she studied at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School. She also underook private classes with George Bellfor several months where individual expression was encouraged, and she became associated with a group of Modernist artists including Sam Atyeo. In 1945 Sybil Craig became the third woman to be appointed as an official war artist. Based in Melbourne she worked for fourth months at the Commonwealth Ordinance Factory at Maribyrnong, becoming the first female artist to paint women working in the munitions factories. In her work Craig was attracted to many changing ideas and continued to explore line, rhythm, colour, simplicity and design.

This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.

Physical description

Framed pencil sketch.