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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.

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Sir Lawrence Wackett

n.d.
Louis Kahan AO

pen and ink, brush and ink on paper (sheet: 58.0 cm x 39.1 cm)

Sir Lawrence Wackett KBE DFC AFC (1896-1982), aircraft designer, pilot and entrepreneur, was educated at the Duntroon Military Academy, and was later chosen as a member of the newly formed Australian Flying Corps. In the First World War he served in Palestine and Europe, and was noted for his innovative methods and courageous actions. During his service, he was promoted to Major, and awarded two Air Force medals for bravery under fire. In 1923, Wackett retired from operations to study aircraft design, heading an agency known as the RAAF Experimental Station to produce aircraft in Australia. Wackett designed the Widgeon I and II flying-boat in 1924 as well as the Warragal I and II landplanes. In World War 2, he designed the Wirraway fighter, of which more than 700 units were produced. Later, a trainer for the Empire Air Training Scheme was designed and named after Wackett. Mustangs, Sabres and Mirages were produced under License at CAC in Melbourne. Wackett was knighted for his services to aviation and received the highest honour in the field, the Oswald Watt Gold Medal. A keen angler, he wrote two books about fishing, My Hobby is Trout Fishing (1946) and Studies of an Angler (1950) before he published Aircraft Pioneer: an Autobiography (1972).

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Louis Kahan/Copyright Agency, 2024

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.
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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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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