A painting once sold for just $925 is now priced at $125,000, one of 26 works by celebrated still life artist Margaret Olley now on display at Brisbane’s Philip Bacon Galleries.
Olley’s Work Returns to the Spotlight
Running from April 29 to May 24 in Fortitude Valley, the exhibition at Philip Bacon Galleries shines a light on Margaret Olley’s legacy. Curated by Philip Bacon, who managed her estate after her death in 2011, the show includes early portraits, European landscapes and vibrant still lifes from her final years.
The collection expanded after families, mostly baby boomers, offered works for sale, part of what Bacon called an intergenerational shift. Among the highlights is Sunday Flowers, first sold in 1977 for $925 and now priced at $125,000, reflecting the rising value of Olley’s work and its lasting impact.
A Lifelong Artist with Queensland Roots
Born in Lismore in 1923 and raised in northern Queensland, Margaret Olley studied art in Brisbane during the war before moving to Sydney. She gained national attention in 1948 as the subject of William Dobell’s Archibald Prize-winning portrait, though her still lifes would later define her career.
Known for colourful interiors filled with flowers, fruit and everyday objects, her work is recognised for its detail and warmth. Since her death at 88, her reputation has grown, supported by the Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah, which features a re-creation of her Paddington studio.
Charting a Life in Paint
Instead of a modest display, the exhibition presents a broader view of Margaret Olley’s artistic journey. The 26 works trace her growth from student pieces to the confident still lifes of her later years, including paintings from her European travels and final works from her Sydney home.
Each piece captures the everyday, made vivid through Olley’s distinctive use of oil and board.
A Personal Connection to Brisbane
To many in Brisbane, Margaret Olley’s name is part of the city’s story. Philip Bacon recalled how she would arrive, wind down the car window and say she could smell the jasmine and frangipani.
Though based in Sydney, Olley often said Brisbane felt like home. Now in its 50th year, Philip Bacon Galleries continues to honour that connection. With free entry, the exhibition invites visitors to see Australian life through Olley’s intimate and vibrant perspective.
Published 1-May-2025
