Guide to the Papers of Nora Heysen

Searching...

MS 10041

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Created: 2007

Collection Summary

Creator
Heysen, Nora
Title
Papers of Nora Heysen
Date Range
1913-2003
Collection Number
MS 10041
Extent
6.3 metres (32 ms boxes + 2 medium folio boxes + 1 large folio box + 8 sound/av carriers)
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Abstract
Papers relating to the life and work of Australian artist Nora Heysen.

Introduction

Scope and Contents

The papers relate to the life and work of Australian artist Nora Heysen. The papers include letters; photographs; catalogues; newspaper clippings; personal papers (including an extract of her birth certificate); art publications; and sound and video material. The bulk of the collection is a large series of personal correspondence retained by Nora.

Conditions Governing Access

Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3354814).

Conditions Governing Use

Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Nora Heysen, National Library of Australia, MS 10041, [series and file number]'.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Nora Heysen bequeathed the collection to the Library as part of the Heysen Trust in a single instalment in 2004, with the assistance of Lou Klepac, Nora Heysen's executor.

Existence and Location of Copies

Three letters from Series 1, Subseries 1.3, folders 36 and 37 have been digitised and are available through this finding aid.

A number of artworks by Nora Heysen have been digitised and are available online via the Library's catalogue (http://catalogue.nla.gov.au).

Correspondence with Nora Heysen is held in the Manuscript Collection in the papers of Dorothy Hewett (MS 6184) and related material is held with the papers of Sir Hans Heysen at MS 5073 and MS 8836.

Interviews with Nora Heysen are held in the Oral History Collection at ORAL TRC 191/19, ORAL TRC 3121 and ORAL TRC 1/138; a number of works by Nora Heysen are held in the Pictures Collection; and a biographical clippings file on Nora Heysen is available from the Newspaper and Microform Reading Room.

Arrangement

The collection was received by the Library in 2004. As the collection was in no order upon receipt, it has been organised by the Library into five series: Correspondence; Personal papers; Photographic prints and negatives; Catalogues of exhibitions; and Newspaper clippings. Only the series of correspondence has been further arranged into seven subseries to bring together large amounts of unordered material from named correspondents, in particular Nora Heysen's parents; her husband Dr Robert Black; and several relatives and friends. Letters in these subseries have not been further arranged, other than one subseries from miscellaneous correspondents which has been placed in a rough chronological order.

Separated Materials

Three items in this collection were previously held at MS 5073, Series 2, Folders 143, 144 and 145, having come to the Library in 1975 as part of the papers of Hans Heysen. In 1987 the Library acceded to Nora Heysen's request that the Library return the originals of her father's letters to her. These three items were included in the papers of Nora Heysen that came to the Library in 2004 and have been retained in the Nora Heysen Papers as MS 10041 Series 1.3, Folders 36, 37 and 38. Copies of these letters have been retained in MS 5073 Series 2, Folders 143, 144 and 145.

Biographical Note

Nora Heysen (Norrie; Noshie) was born 11 January 1911, fourth daughter of Hans and Sallie (also Selma, née Bartels) Heysen of Hahndorf, South Australia.

At age 14, Nora undertook art training at the School of Fine Arts, North Adelaide.

On returning to Adelaide from Europe, Nora painted at 'The Cedars', the Heysen family home and studio until 1938 when she settled in Sydney.

Nora achieved early professional success, having her first solo exhibition in 1933 (aged 21) at the Royal South Australian Society of Arts Gallery, Adelaide, and being the first woman to win the Archibald Prize (1938). Other solo exhibitions included those in South Australia at the Heysen Gallery Hahndorf (1952); John Martin's Art Gallery (1957); Millicent Masonic Hall (1963); and North Adelaide Gallery (1967). Moreton Galleries, Brisbane also exhibited her work in 1954. In the 1980s Old Dridan's Gallery Clarendon (South Australia) and Von Bertouch Galleries (Newcastle, NSW) staged solo exhibitions, but it took over fifty years of working and living in Sydney from 1938 onwards for a solo exhibition of her work to be arranged in Sydney in 1989 by Lou Klepac at the S. H. Ervin Gallery.

Louis McCubbin nominated Nora Heysen to be selected as a war artist, and after some delays, Nora took up war work in Melbourne in October 1943. Nora became the first woman artist appointed by the Military History Section and the only woman artist to serve in a war zone. As VX94085 Captain Nora Heysen, she travelled to Papua New Guinea and was for a time stationed in North Queensland. Apart from her studio portraits of the heads of the three women's services, from 1943 to 1946, Nora captured the war work of women and the work of the Australian medical and research teams engaged in researching anti-malaria treatments. In all, the Australian War Memorial holds 160 works by Nora Heysen. In New Guinea, she met her future husband, Robert Hughes Black (1917-1988).

In 1947 Nora travelled again to London. Dr Robert Black was also in London extending his research into malaria and other tropical diseases. Black later became the Head of Tropical Medicine at the University of Sydney and an internationally recognised authority on tropical diseases. Black travelled extensively internationally and wrote loving letters to Nora detailing his meetings and research.

Nora and Robert married in January 1953 and together they purchased 'The Chalet' at Hunter's Hill. During Nora's lifetime, many visitors came to view and admire the house that was made of prefabricated Baltic pine and that had been exhibited at the Paris Exhibition. The house had been imported to Sydney and erected at Hunter's Hill c.1850. Nora remained in this residence until her death. Nora and Robert divorced in 1976 and there were no children from this marriage.

During the 1950s and 1960s Nora accompanied Robert to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and these locations and peoples are reflected in her works of that time. A number of photographic images in the collection also relate to this time and the work of Dr Robert Black.

As an artist, Nora has been classified as an 'Academic realist'. Nora was an exhibiting member of a number of artist's societies (notably the Society of Artists and the short-lived and controversial Academy of Australian Art) and exhibited a steady output of portraits and still lifes in group exhibitions. Self-portraits, portraits, her garden, its flowers and produce, as well as her pets were among the subjects of her paintings and drawings.

Throughout her life, Nora maintained regular correspondence with her extended family and with friends. Containing letters from relatives and friends, the collection shows that Nora was a frequent letter-writer. In particular, the letters from Steven Coorey reveal the development over many years of their close personal friendship. Steven later lived with Nora at 'The Chalet' as did Craig Dubery. Steven and Craig cared for Nora in her final years.

In 1984, when Nora was aged 73, her first retrospective exhibition was held at the Old Clarendon Gallery, South Australia. A number of surveys and retrospectives followed including the S. H. Ervin Gallery (Sydney) and Carrick Hill (Adelaide) exhibitions in 1989. The National Library of Australia held a major exhibition of her life and work in Canberra in 2001.

In 1993 Nora received the Australia Council's award for Achievement in the Arts and was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in 1998.

Nora died in Sydney in 2003.

Biographical Reference(s)

Nora Heysen [electronic resource] Canberra: National Library of Australia, 2000. http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/36338/20030703-0000/www.nla.gov.au/exhibitions/noraheysen/pages/bio.html (accessed 4 September 2007).

Klepac, Lou. Nora Heysen. Sydney: Beagle Press, 1989.

Klepac, Lou. Nora Heysen. Canberra: National Library of Australia, 2000.

Klepac, Lou. 'The Heysen legacy: the work of Nora Heysen', NLA news, vol XI, no 2, November 2000.

Thiele, Colin. Heysen of Hahndorf. Adelaide: Rigby, 1976.

Nockels, Kate. 'Hidden from view: Nora Heysen twentieth century Australian artist'. Canberra, Australian National University, 1997 (MA thesis).

Wilkins, Lola. 'Nora Heysen' in Dictionary of Australian artists online, accessed through http://www.daao.org.au, November 2007.

Mattingley, Christobel. 'Nora, daughter of Hans Heysen, artist in her own right', NLA news, vol XVII no 6, March 2007, pp 7-10.

Item Descriptions

Series 1. Correspondence, 1930-2003

This series contains Nora Heysen's personal and professional correspondence. Apart from a few drafts and possibly unsent letters to family members, the only letters from Nora are to her husband Dr Robert Black. (Folder 1). Amongst the correspondence are clippings, drawings and poetry as well as photographic prints and postcards. A large number of Christmas cards and postcards are unsorted and have been placed together as Series 1, Subseries 7.

The bulk of the material comprises letters to Nora Heysen from her husband Dr Robert Black; her parents Hans and Sallie Heysen; and other family and friends, including a large series of correspondence from Steven Coorey.

Professional correspondence relating to Nora Heysen's art practice forms a small part of the series. These have been placed together as Series 1, Subseries 5. Some other professional correspondence is located among accounts and receipts in Series 2, Folder 4.

Three letters from Series 1, Subseries 1.3, Folders 36 and 37 have been digitised.

Subseries 1.1. Personal correspondence, letters from Nora Heysen, c.1945-1973

This subseries contains scattered letters written by Nora Heysen and drafts of letters that may not have been sent. The majority of letters were written to Heysen's husband, Dr Robert Black.

Letters are addressed 'My dear darling' and are signed with the endearment 'I do. Nora'.

Letters from Nora Heysen. Letters are mainly addressed to Heysen's husband, Dr Robert Black, with a few letters addressed to other Heysen family members and friends, 1947-1972 (File 1)

Subseries 1.2. Letters to Nora Heysen from Dr Robert Black, 1945-1973

This subseries contains a large collection of letters written to Nora Heysen by her husband Dr Robert Black. Black travelled extensively internationally with his work on tropical diseases. Some letters were in bundles and these have been retained. Letters have not been further arranged.

Letters are addressed 'My dear darling' and are signed with the endearment 'I do. Robert'.

Letters relate the travels, meetings and work of Dr Robert Black.

Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1957-1965 (File 2)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1962-1967 (File 3)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1956-1967 (File 4)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1966-1971 (File 5)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1957-1971 (File 6)
Letters to Nora Heysen from QX36074 Captain R. H. Black 106 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) AIF [as bundled], 1944-1945 (File 7)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1960-1972 (File 8)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1956-1972 (File 9)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1962-1968 (File 10)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1962-1971 (File 11)
Letters to Nora Heysen from QX36074 Captain R. H. Black LHQ Medical Research Unit AIF [as bundled], 1944-1945 (File 12)

A love poem to Nora from Robert has been placed here as it was loose among the photographs of the collection.

Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [some bundled], 1946-1952 (File 13)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black, c.1952 (File 14)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her husband, Dr Robert Black, 1947-1972 (File 15)

Includes some original drawings by Dr Robert Black and a paper on the hazards associated with hot air drying of copra in the Solomon Islands.

Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1944-1946 (File 16)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1946 (File 17)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1946 (File 18)
Letters to Nora Heysen from QX36074 Captain R. H. Black, [as bundled], 1945 (File 19)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black, 1947 (File 20)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Dr Robert Black, 1947-1954 (File 21)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1945-1946 (File 22)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1947-1972 (File 23)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1946 (File 24)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1945-1947 (File 25)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her future husband, Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1946 (File 26)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Dr Robert Black [as bundled], 1947-1972 (File 27)

Subseries 1.3. Letters to Nora Heysen from her father and mother, Hans Heysen and Sallie Heysen, 1934-1968

This subseries contains letters written mostly from Hahndorf, to Nora in London while she was studying; when she was engaged as a war artist during the Second World War; and while she lived with her husband, Dr Robert Black, in Hunter's Hill. Some letters were signed by both 'Mother' and 'Daddy'.

In later years as her parents became frailer, a number of letters were written in a different hand (that of their grand-daughter Jill?) and sometimes signed 'Daddy and Mother' or, after 1962 when Lady Heysen passed away, 'Jill and Daddy'.

Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1957-1964 (File 28)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1953-1963 (File 29)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1950-1959 (File 30)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1937-1960 (File 31)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1934-1962 (File 32)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1935-1954 (File 33)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1956-1966 (File 34)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, 1944-1959 (File 35)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her father, Hans Heysen, c.1930-1939 (File 36)
Letter to Nora Heysen from Hans Heysen, August 3 (Item)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her father, Hans Heysen, c.1930-1939 (File 37)
Letter to Nora Heysen from Hans Heysen, January 14, 1935 (Item)
Letter to Nora Heysen from Hans Heysen, June 21, 1936 (Item)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her parents, Hans and Sallie Heysen, c.1930-1939 (File 38)

Subseries 1.4. Letters to Nora Heysen from family and friends, c.1930-2003

This subseries contains letters written to Nora from various Heysen relatives and friends, including Jock Heysen (née Joan Scott m. Stefan Heysen 1942); Freya and Ted Booth (Freya Booth née Heysen); Jo Jo Keliher; Jill (Josephine) Wittenburg (née Williams later Heysen); Merrie (Meredith Ardlie (and Ardley) later Petronella); Steven Coorey; Merv Lilley; Cathy Coulter; and other family members.

One file of letters (Folder 68) from Bonnin and Partners (Solicitors) relates to the affairs of the Hans Heysen Estate. Other estate matters are mentioned in correspondence from various family members, particularly David Heysen and Stefan Heysen (folders 69-74).

Letters to Nora Heysen from Jo Jo (Miss J. M. Keliher), 1962-1978 (File 39)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Jock (Joan) Heysen (née Scott), 1941-1953 (File 40)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Jock (Joan) Heysen (née Scott), 1941-2003 (File 41)

Includes an obituary of Jock Heysen as sent to Nora Heysen, 27 March 2003.

Letters to Nora Heysen from her sister and brother-in-law Freya and Ted (Edward) Booth, 1974-1978 (File 42)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her sister and brother-in-law Freya and Ted (Edward) Booth, 1974-1978 (File 43)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her sister and brother-in-law Freya and Ted (Edward) Booth, 1970-1980 (File 44)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her sister and brother-in-law Freya and Ted (Edward) Booth, 1979-1994 (File 45)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her niece Jill (Josephine Heysen née Williams later Wittenburg), 1962-1980 (File 46)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her niece Jill (Josephine Heysen née Williams later Wittenburg), 1965-1982 (File 47)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her niece Jill (Josephine Heysen née Williams later Wittenburg), 1962-1975 (File 48)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her niece Jill (Josephine Heysen née Williams later Wittenburg), 1968-1974 (File 49)
Letters to Nora Heysen from her niece Jill (Josephine Heysen née Williams later Wittenburg), 1962-1972 (File 50)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Meredith Stokes (Ardlie sometimes Ardley later Petronella), 1978-1981 (File 51)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Meredith Stokes (Ardlie sometimes Ardley later Petronella), 1953-1977 (File 52)

In most letters, Meredith greets Nora as 'Noshie' and signs her letters 'Merrie'; 'Your Marmalade Princess'; or 'MP'. An early letter dated 13 June 1953 indicates that the epithet related to the colour of Meredith's hair as a child.

Letters to Nora Heysen from Meredith Stokes (Ardlie sometimes Ardley later Petronella), 1973-1982 (File 52)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Meredith Stokes (Ardlie sometimes Ardley later Petronella), 1969-1976 (File 54)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Meredith Stokes (Ardlie sometimes Ardley later Petronella), 1971-1978 (File 55)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1969-1993 (File 56)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1980-1988 (File 57)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1980-1987 (File 58)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1980 (File 59)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1974-1988 (File 60)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1971-1983 (File 61)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1969-1983 (File 62)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1972-1991 (File 63)
Letters and postcards to Nora Heysen from Steven Coorey, 1972-1990 (File 64)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Merv Lilley, 1983-1989 (File 65)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Frank and Bobby (neighbours or fellow artists?) sent whilst travelling in Europe, 1964-1965 (File 66)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Cathy Coulter, 1979-1982 (File 67)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Bonnin and Partners (Solicitors), 1971-1976 (File 68)
Letters to Nora Heysen from family members, 1965-1989 (File 69)
Letters to Nora Heysen from family members, 1963-1988 (File 70)
Letters to Nora Heysen from family members, 1969-1997 (File 71)
Letters to Nora Heysen from family members, 1948-1976 (File 72)
Letters to Nora Heysen from family members, 1962-1988 (File 73)
Letters to Nora Heysen from family members, 1969-1987 (File 74)

Subseries 1.5. Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, collecting institutions and artist's societies, 1943-2003

One file (Folder 75) contains correspondence to Nora Heysen from the Military History Section and the Australian War Memorial and relates to her work as a war artist in the Second World War.

Correspondence relates to participation by Nora Heysen in exhibitions, competitions and publications. Correspondents include David Jones; Australian War Memorial; National Library of Australia; National Gallery of Australia; Art Gallery of New South Wales; Fellowship of Australian Artists; and Hunter's Hill Municipality.

Letters to Nora Heysen from the Australian War Memorial and the Military History Section, 1945-1959 (File 75)
Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, institutions and artists' societies, mostly relating to Nora's participation in exhibitions, competitions and collections, 1943-2002 (File 76)
Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, institutions and artists' societies, mostly relating to Nora's participation in exhibitions, competitions and collections, 1979-2003 (File 77)
Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, institutions and artists' societies, mostly relating to Nora's participation in exhibitions, competitions and collections, 1979-1998 (File 78)
Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, institutions and artists' societies, mostly relating to Nora's participation in exhibitions, competitions and collections, 1948-1998 (File 79)
Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, institutions and artists' societies, mostly relating to Nora's participation in exhibitions, competitions and collections, 1949-1989 (File 80)
Letters to Nora Heysen from galleries, institutions and artists' societies, mostly relating to Nora's participation in exhibitions, competitions and collections, 1949-1989 (File 81)

Subseries 1.6. Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), c.1930-2003

Letters in significant numbers from an individual correspondent have been placed together within the chronological sequence.

Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents, c.1930-c.1939 (File 82)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Kit, 1934-1935 (File 83)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Evie (Everton Stokes née Shaw), c.1934 (File 83)

Some letters are not signed with a closing greeting nor an identifiable name but the handwriting indicates the letters are from Everton Stokes who joined Nora in London in 1934 or 1935.

Letters to Nora Heysen from P.R. Stow, Glenelg, 1930-1937 (File 85)
Letters to Nora Heysen from Ray N. (?), 1945-1956 (File 86)
Letters to Nora Heysen from colleagues and friends made while Nora was engaged as a war artist, c.1940-1949 (File 87)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), c.1940-1949 (File 88)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), c.1950-1959 (File 89)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1960-1963 (File 90)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1964-1969 (File 91)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1970 (File 92)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1971 (File 93)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1972 (File 94)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1973 (File 95)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1974 (File 96)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1975 (File 97)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1976 (File 98)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1977 (File 99)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1978 (File 100)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1979 (File 101)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1980 (File 102)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1981 (File 103)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1982 (File 104)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1983 (File 105)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1984 (File 106)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1985 (File 107)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1986 (File 108)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1987 (File 109)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1988 (File 110)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1989 (File 111)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1990 (File 112)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1991 (File 113)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1992 (File 114)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1993 (File 115)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1994 (File 116)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1996 (File 117)
Letters to Nora Heysen from various correspondents (arranged chronologically), 1997-2003 (File 118)
Nora Heysen undated correspondence (File 119)
Miscellaneous items located during processing of correspondence, undated (File 120)

Subseries 1.7. Christmas, greeting and postcards received by Nora Heysen, c.1930-2003

Cards have not been arranged. Postcards without addresses or greeting have been separated from those with inscriptions.

Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 121)
Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 122)
Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 123)
Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 124)
Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 125)
Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 126)
Christmas and greeting cards as sent to Nora Heysen, undated (File 127)
Postcards with greetings and addresses received by Nora Heysen, undated (File 128)

Some postcards are scenes but many are of European and classical art works.

Postcards without greetings and addresses received by Nora Heysen, undated (File 129)

Some postcards are scenes but many are of European and classical art works.

Series 2. Personal papers of Nora Heysen, c.1930-1998

This series includes Nora Heysen's diaries; identity papers; travel documents; and correspondence relating to her divorce; and her receipt of awards and prizes. A small amount of material relates to Dr Robert Black.

Also included in this series are a copy of Hans Heysen's will; an extract from a birth certificate for Nora Heysen and correspondence relating to preparation of entries on Nora Heysen's professional work in biographical directories.

Diaries of Nora Heysen, 1974-1975 (File 1)

Entries contain scant details of portrait sittings and appointments.

Personal and biographical papers of Nora Heysen, c.1930-1998 (File 2)

Includes a copy of Hans Heysen's will; an extract of Nora Heysen's birth certificate; a transcript of an oral history recording conducted by Hazel de Berg at the National Library of Australia, 1975; and awards presented to Nora Heysen.

Also included is a handwritten and printed copy of an introduction by Adrian Feint to an exhibition opening of Nora's works at the Moreton Galleries, Brisbane, 22 September - 2 October 1953.

This file also contains a silhouette portrait of Nora Heysen(?) taken in Llandudno, 1930s? and her Reader's Ticket for the Print Room of the British Museum, 1934-1935.

Letters to Nora Heysen from Stuart Thom and Co (Solicitors) relating to settlement of home ownership of 'The Chalet' following the divorce between Nora Heysen and Dr Robert Black, 1974-1988 (File 3)

Financial papers of Nora Heysen, 1938-1980 (File 4)

Includes receipts for services, including framing and supplies, as well as medical and insurance papers of Nora Heysen.

This file also contains a Special Clothing Ration Book (coupons all acquitted) dated 30 January 1946.

Travel documents of Nora Heysen, 1947-1972 (File 5)

Travel brochures and tickets, c.1930-1979 (File 6)

Papers of Robert Black, 1945-1988 (File 7)

Includes drafts of early research papers and the funeral eulogy for Dr Robert Black.

Series 3. Photographic prints and negatives as retained by Nora Heysen, 1913-1994

Some biographical material relating to Nora Heysen on audio and video cassette is included in this series.

Loose photographic prints and images, 1913-1994 (File 1)

Portrait of Nora Heysen (?) as a child; prints of New Guinea 1940s (related to the work of Dr Robert Black?), and a reproduction of 'Ruth' by Nora Heysen, 1933, produced in 1994 by the Art Gallery of South Australia as a postcard.

Photographic images and negatives without prints, undated (File 2)

Photographic prints and negatives showing Nora Heysen, c.1930-1959 (File 3)

Includes a letter from Harold Cazneaux relating to portraits of Nora Heysen.

Photographic prints and negatives showing Robert Black and his work, c.1930-1959 (File 4)

Photographic prints showing Hans Heysen, c.1930-1969 (File 5)

Loose photographic prints and images showing Nora Heysen's work; Nora Heysen and Robert Black, c.1930-1959 (File 6)

Loose photographic prints and images showing houses, animals and cats, c.1930-1959 (File 7)

Loose photographic prints showing Heysen family and events, c.1930-1959 (File 8)

Large format loose photographic prints, c.1930-1959 (File 9)

Large format loose photographic prints, c.1960-1994 (File 10)

Includes images of Nora Heysen at the Australian War Memorial, 1994.

Large format loose photographic prints, c.1960-1999 (File 11)

Packets of black and white photographic prints and negatives showing Heysen family and events, c.1930-1939 (File 12)

Includes images of Nora and her parents on board ship to England, 1934?

Packets of black and white photographic prints and negatives showing Heysen family and events, c.1920-1939 (File 13)

Packets of black and white photographic prints and negatives showing Heysen family and events, c.1920-1939 (File 14)

Includes an image of Nora Heysen in her flat in London, 1934?

Bundles of coloured photographic prints of Nora Heysen; her work; garden; pets; family and friends, c.1980-1999 (File 15_16)

Bundles of coloured photographic prints of Nora Heysen; her work; garden; pets; family and friends, c.1960-1999 (File 17_18)

Bundles of coloured photographic prints of Nora Heysen; her work; garden; pets; family and friends, c.1960-1999 (File 19)

Includes a collection of images taken by Lou Klepac as annotated by Nora Heysen.

Bundles of coloured photographic prints of Nora Heysen; her work; garden; pets; family and friends, c.1960-1999 (File 20_32)

Large format colour photographic print of Nora Heysen sketching a nude female, c.1970-1979 (File 33)

Nora Heysen medical x ray images, c.1980-1989 (File 34)

Large format photographic prints, pets, family, scenery, c.1980-1989 (File 35)

Large format photographic prints, miscellaneous, c.1980-1989 (File 36)

Large format awards and certificates, c.1980-1989 (File 37)

Large format photographic prints and portraits including images of Nora Heysen and her work, c.1980-1989 (File 38)

Large format photographic prints and portraits of Nora Heysen, c.1950-1959 (File 39)

Includes a colour photographic print of Hans Heysen with Queen Elizabeth II.

Album of photographic prints of paintings and portraits by Reg Campbell as retained by Nora Heysen, c.1980-1989 (File 40)

Album of photographic prints of Heysen family events as retained by Nora Heysen, c.1920-1939 (File 41)

Photographic prints as retained by Nora Heysen in small album, c.1930-1999 (File 42)

Vinyl album discarded.

Photographic slides and negatives (without accompanying prints) as retained by Nora Heysen, c.1930-1999 (File 43)

Includes purchased images of artworks from European collections and family snapshots. Some relate to an overseas trip taken by Nora in 1972(?)

Slide boxes and containers discarded.

Box of photographic glass plate negatives of portraits of Nora Heysen, 1959 (File 44)

Description taken from outside of box. Not to be opened before Preservation Treatment.

Box of Austral standard orthochrome photographic glass plates as retained by Nora Heysen, undated (File 45)

Description taken from outside of box. Not to be opened before Preservation Treatment.

Nora Heysen audio material on cassette tapes, c.1970-1988 (File 46)

Includes interviews with Nora Heysen.

Stewart Cockburn. Opening the 1984 Nora Heysen Art Exhibition, 1984 (Item NLA.MS-SAV006232) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, Sony Low Noise C-30, Compact cassette tape
R.H. Black Eulogy 13.4.88., 1988 (Item NLA.MS-SAV006233) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, Ultra Sound Low Noise-High Fidelity C-120, Compact cassette tape
Radio Helicon Part 2, Voices in ART, May 1st 1988, 1/05/1988 (Item NLA.MS-SAV006234) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, TDK D60, Compact cassette tape

Numerous interviews. Producer Carolyn Craig. Notes in cassette case

Nora Heysen Interview, 1996 (Item NLA.MS-SAV006235) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, ACME XHG C60, Compact cassette tape
Music for Nora (Item NLA.MS-SAV006236) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, BASF FEI 60, Compact cassette tape

List of music in cassette notes

(No details) (Item NLA.MS-SAV006237) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, SONY EF Super 60, Compact cassette tape
H. Heysen (Item NLA.MS-SAV006238) - Cassette-Box 332
1 item, No cassette, Compact cassette tape

No cassette in case

Reels of photographic image negatives as retained by Nora Heysen, undated (File 47)

Interview with 'Terry O'Brian' (Kerry O'Brien?) news reports (videocassette), undated (File 48)

Interview with Kerry O'Brien (Item NLA.MS-VID000989) - Shelf-Tall OH1-18-016
1 item, Kodak, Consumer formats - VHS, S-VHS etc.

Series 4. Catalogues of exhibitions, art magazines and art publications as retained by Nora Heysen, 1929-2003

This series contains catalogues of exhibitions of Nora Heysen's work in solo, retrospective and group exhibitions. There are also small runs of Australian and overseas art magazines and catalogues of exhibitions and theatre programs relating to collections and performances in Australia and overseas that Nora Heysen may have visited or attended.

Folders 11-14 relate to the work of Nora Heysen's father, Sir Hans Heysen.

Some catalogues contain annotations as to purchaser and amounts paid for works exhibited.

Exhibition catalogues, publicity brochures and invitations for solo and group exhibitions of works by Nora Heysen, 1929-1954 (File 1)

Includes two copies of a student magazine of the School of Fine Arts, South Australia, vol 2, no. 1, 1929.

Exhibition catalogues, publicity brochures and invitations for solo and group exhibitions of works by Nora Heysen, 1954-1996 (File 2)

Lock of hair (Nora Heysen's?).

Exhibition and sales catalogues, publicity brochures and invitations for group exhibitions that included works by Nora Heysen, 1954-1986 (File 3)

Exhibition and sales catalogues, publicity brochures and invitations for group exhibitions that included works by Nora Heysen, 1984-1993 (File 4)

Exhibition and sales catalogues, publicity brochures and invitations for group exhibitions that included works by Nora Heysen, 1988-2003 (File 5)

Publicity and miscellaneous publications relating to the publication and use of Nora Heysen works and portraits, 1934-1989 (File 6)

Catalogues of the Society of Artists annual exhibitions, 1945-1965 (File 7)

Catalogues of the exhibitions arranged by the Municipality of Hunter's Hill, 1938-1993 (File 8)

Catalogues and publicity material relating to art prizes and competitions, 1954-1998 (File 9)

Catalogues and publicity material relating to Wynne, Sulman and Archibald art prizes, 1952-1997 (File 10)

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to the work of Hans Heysen, 1970-1976 (File 11)

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to the work of Hans Heysen, c.1950-1998 (File 12)

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to the work of Hans Heysen, 1960-1988 (File 13)

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to the work of Hans Heysen, 1960-1986 (File 14)

Catalogues and publications relating to exhibitions of international artists held in London, Europe and the United States(?), c.1930-1999 (File 15_17)

Overseas art catalogues, publications and issues of journals, 1941-1966 (File 18)

One journal issue contains an overview article on Australian art which notes the work of Hans Heysen.

Overseas art publications and issues of journals, c.1930-1969 (File 19)

Issues of the Italian art journal Sele Arte, no. 33-47.

Overseas art publications and issues of journals, c.1930-1969 (File 20)

Issues of the Italian art journal Sele Arte, no. 48-55.

Christie's sales catalogues; issues of art journals and gallery newsletters including Kalori (Royal South Australian Society of Arts journal and the Art Gallery of New South Wales journal, 1959-1973 (File 21)

Issues of Australia national journal published by Ure Smith, 1941-1946 (File 22)

Issues of Bulletin of the National Gallery of South Australia, 1952-1969 (File 23)

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to festivals and other themed exhibitions, 1943-1983 (File 24)

Includes a catalogue of an exhibition of Australian war artists, 1943-1944.

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to Australian individual artists, 1959-1998 (File 25)

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to Australian artists and group and themed exhibitions, c.1970-2001 (File 26)

Catalogue of 1937 is unreadable due to water damage.

Exhibition and sales catalogues and publicity material relating to group and themed exhibitions of international artists held in Australia, 1937-2002 (File 27)

Some catalogues unreadable due to water damage.

Travel and theatre programs as retained by Nora Heysen, c.1950-1999 (File 28)

Miscellaneous publications retained by Nora Heysen including recipe books and publications of Dr Robert Black, c.1950-1999 (File 29)

Series 5. Newspaper clippings, c.1930-2003

Clippings relate to the work of both Nora Heysen and her father Sir Hans Heysen.

Comprises 6 bags of clippings.

Container List

Series Subseries Files Box
1 1 1 1
1 2 2-7 1
1 2 8-14 2
1 2 15-21 3
1 2 22-27 4
1 3 28-34 5
1 3 35-38 6
1 4 39-41 6
1 4 42-48 7
1 4 49-55 8
1 4 56-62 9
1 4 63-68 10
1 4 69-74 11
1 5 75-81 12
1 6 82 12
1 6 83-87 13
1 6 88-94 14
1 6 95-102 15
1 6 103-111 16
1 6 112-119 17
1 6 120 18
1 7 121-124 18
1 7 125-129 19
2 ~ 1-6 20
2 ~ 7 21
3 ~ 1-6 21
3 ~ 7-11 22
3 ~ 12-20 23
3 ~ 21-32 24
3 ~ 33-39 Folio Box 25
3 ~ 40-43 26
3 ~ 44-48 27
4 ~ 1 27
4 ~ 2-7 28
4 ~ 8-12 29
4 ~ 13-17 30
4 ~ 18-21 31
4 ~ 22-25 32
4 ~ 26-29 33
5 ~ 1-3 Folio Box 34
5 ~ 4-6 Folio Box 35

Top