Lot 32

Leonard Joel, Melbourne, c.1970
The Estate of Judith Wills Connard
Private collection, Melbourne

Nora Gurdon studied at the National Gallery School in Melbourne.
In 1914 Gurdon travelled to England and nursed for two years at the Le Croisic, France during the war. Arthur Streeton was also in Europe at this time working as an official war artist, and often painted hospital scenes.
Upon her return to Australia in 1920 Gurdon joined the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and the Australian Art Association.
She remained independent, never marrying, rather making further trips abroad in the late 1920's and 1930's.
Gurdon is well known for her late impressionist landscapes and is also associated with the Heidelberg School. Gurdon was friends with many fellow Australian artists, including Arthur Streeton, who would frequently visit at her country property.