B. 1919 – 2009

Lesbia Thorpe was born in Elsternwick, Victoria. Across her diverse and fruitful life, she cemented a reputation as one of Australia’s foremost Modernist printmakers. Her career began under Italian-Australian artist Anthony Dattilo Rubbo and in 1937, she was elected a member of the Painters-Etchers Society and in 1943, became a member of the Royal Art Society.

After various stints in London, Thorpe was granted membership into several other societies, including the Royal Graphic Art Society. In addition to this, she was a lecturer for the National Gallery of Victoria, Bill Constable’s set designer and the recipient of many accolades. Today, she is fondly remembered as a gifted artist who gave life to Melbourne’s then burgeoning art scene. 

To read a more in-depth biography of the artist, click here.