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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Bonfire of the vanities

Australian Galleries Director Stuart Purves tells the story of two portraits by John Brack.

More information on Bonfire of the vanities

Selected images

9 images
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Portrait of Tam Purves
Portrait of Tam Purves, 1958 John Brack. © Helen Brack
Tam Purves, 1958
Tam Purves, 1958
Portrait of Tam Purves, c. 1960
Portrait of Tam Purves, c. 1960
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1968
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1991
Portrait of Anne Purves, 1991
Study for portrait of Anne Purves, c.1958
Study for portrait of Anne Purves, c.1958
9 images
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Related information

Self portrait 1955
Self portrait 1955
Self portrait 1955
Self portrait 1955

Portrait of the artist as a young man

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2010

Dr Sarah Engledow explores the early life and career of John Brack.
Portrait of Kym Bonython/Portrait of Mr Bonython's speedway cap
Portrait of Kym Bonython/Portrait of Mr Bonython's speedway cap
Portrait of Kym Bonython/Portrait of Mr Bonython's speedway cap
Portrait of Kym Bonython/Portrait of Mr Bonython's speedway cap

Somewhere to hang your cap

Magazine article by Beatrice Thompson, 2007

A pair of portraits by John Brack; Portrait of Kym Bonython and Portrait of Mr Bonython's speedway cap combine to create a quirky depiction of their subject.
Portrait of a Man (Fred Williams), 1958
Portrait of a Man (Fred Williams), 1958
Portrait of a Man (Fred Williams), 1958
Portrait of a Man (Fred Williams), 1958

Head, hand, heart

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

An extensive selection of portraits by John Brack were on display at the National Portrait Gallery in late 2007.
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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