Bernard Patrick O'Dowd (1866-1953), poet, teacher and public servant, published the first of his several books of verse, Dawnward? in 1903. His best-known poem, 'The Bush', was published in 1912. A 'public poet', frequently delivering lectures and readings and composing verse for public occasions, he was also involved in a number of radical and alternative organisations including the Theosophical Society and the Victorian Socialist Party, and assisted with the editing of left-wing newsletters including The Socialist.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008
© Estate of David Low
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.