Minute by the Lord Mayor
To Council:
I note with sadness the recent passing of
Robin Lawrence OAM, a distinguished artist, teacher and community leader whose
lifelong dedication to the arts enriched the cultural life of Glebe, Sydney and
communities around the world.
Born in Sydney in 1935, Robin studied
painting at the National Art School, graduating with a Diploma in Art in 1956.
Her artistic journey would take her across the globe, including to London, New
Zealand, Florence, Salzburg and New York, where she spent more than 2 decades
teaching, painting and exhibiting. During this time, she served as Head of Art
at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York and continued to develop a deeply
personal artistic practice that evolved throughout her life.
Returning to Sydney in 1986, Robin made her
home in Glebe, where she became a central figure in the local arts community. A
gifted painter and thoughtful observer of everyday life, she was particularly
known for her portraiture. Her work was recognised through selection as a
finalist in the Archibald Prize in 2000 and the Portia Geach Memorial Award in
1992, 1996 and 2005. In later years, she became known for her subtle still-life
paintings, which she exhibited at Stanley Street Gallery in Darlinghurst,
continuing to demonstrate her sensitivity to light, colour and form.
While Robin's artistic achievements were
considerable, her greatest legacy may be the opportunities she created for others.
In the mid-1990s, she worked alongside fellow artist James Barker to organise
an art exhibition that formed part of a community fundraising campaign to
support the establishment of the Glebe Library at Benledi. The success of that
exhibition inspired the creation of an annual art show and, with the support of
the Glebe Chamber of Commerce and local government, the first Glebe Art Show
was held in 1997.
Robin became the founding coordinator and
driving force behind the Glebe Art Show, guiding its growth for 15 years before
stepping down in 2013. Under her leadership, the show developed from a modest
local exhibition into one of Sydney's most successful and enduring community
arts events. Her commitment to maintaining an inclusive, non-selective
exhibition created opportunities for emerging artists to exhibit alongside
established practitioners and helped foster a thriving artistic community in
Sydney's inner city.
Nearly 3 decades later, the Glebe Art Show
remains one of Robin's most enduring gifts to the community. Showcasing the
work of hundreds of artists and supported by volunteers, local businesses and
councils, its continuing success stands as a testament to her vision,
determination and belief that art should be accessible to everyone. In
recognition of her foundational role, the Glebe Art Society renamed its Open
Art Prize as the Robin Lawrence Open Art Prize in 2025, ensuring her
contribution will be remembered by future generations of artists.
Robin's service to the arts was formally
recognised in 2010 when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for
her contribution as an artist and for establishing the Glebe Art Prize. Yet
those who knew her remember not only her artistic achievements, but also her
generosity, encouragement and the community spirit she brought to everything
she did.
Robin Lawrence leaves behind an enduring
artistic legacy and a stronger, more connected community because of her
profound dedication to the arts. She will be remembered with deep respect,
gratitude and affection.
the Rt. HOn.
CLOVER MOORE AO hon. fraia
Lord Mayor of Sydney
Moved by
the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Miller –
It is resolved that:
(A)
all
persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute’s silence to
commemorate the life of Robin Lawrence and her significant contribution to
arts, teaching and the cultural life of Glebe and the wider Sydney community
(B)
Council
express its condolences to Robins’s son, Adrian and her many friends, fellow
artists, students and all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable
talent and generosity
(C)
the
Lord Mayor be requested to write to Robin Lawrence’s family to convey Council’s
condolences.
Carried
unanimously.
S051491
Note – All Councillors, staff and members of the public present
stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to Robin Lawrence OAM.