European trip, 1924-1926

Component identifier:

Series 8

Content Summary:

In 1924, Hilda and her close friend Dorothy Richmond travelled to Europe for an extended stay. Hilda took with her a number of her paintings, with the intention of promoting Australian art and the Australian way of life. Exhibitions of her work were held in London and Paris. In Paris, Hilda hired a studio overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens and she and Dorothy lived there in a small attached area. Together they toured regional France, with Hilda capturing life in small villages. In 1925 the French Government purchased her painting In Australia. In 1926, Hilda was honoured to be appointed an Associate of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. They returned to Australia in 1926.

This series comprises papers relating to Hilda's time in Europe. There are letters written by Hilda and Dorothy to Dorothy's family, letters from friends and correspondence relating to exhibitions of Hilda's work and to her appointment to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Correspondents include John Masefield, John Galsworthy, Dion Boucicault and Mary Raphael (known to Hilda as 'Bunny').

During their time away, Dorothy Richmond kept a record of the trip in the form of letter books. The originals were sent home and the carbon copy remaining in the book formed a journal of their activities. The five journals she created are contained in this series. They also include whimsical drawings by Dorothy. In some cases the original pages of the journals are also held. In addition, Dorothy wrote several articles relating to their experiences and manuscript and typescript copies of them are included.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were donated by Hilda Rix Nicholas Wright's son, Rix Wright, in 2003.

Names:

Wright, Rix

Contents

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