The Artists

TOM ROBERTS
WASHING DAY, KALLISTA, c. 1923-25

TOM ROBERTS
Born England 1856, Arrived Australia 1869, Died 1931

WASHING DAY, KALLISTA, c. 1923-25
oil on canvas on hardboard 35.5 x 52.3 cm
Gift of Mrs W.G.Buckle, 1947
Collection: The Art Gallery of New South Wales

In sharp contrast to his works of strong masculine labour, this work by Tom Roberts is a gentle, domestic subject, handled with great sensitivity. It depicts his wife, Lillie, in their garden at ‘Talisman’, Kallista, hanging out the family washing. The view is northerly, towards Olinda, with Monbulk to the far right. ‘Talisman’, was built on half an acre of land, which had been part of an old orchard, belonging to Thomas G. Royle. Building of ‘Talisman’ began on Monday, 14th May, 1923, and Tom and Lillie spent their first night in ‘Talisman’ on Friday, 14th September, 1923.

Further information:
Photograph of Tom Roberts and Lillie at Talisman, c. 1925
Photograph of Tom Roberts and Lillie at the studio at Talisman, c. 1925
Photograph of Tom Roberts seated in interior of Talisman, c. 1931

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