Sydney McRae (1914—1966)

oil on canvas
77.0 x 61.4; in original frame
No. 37 in 1934 exhibition
Gift of Mrs Everard Baillieu, 1986
La Trobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria

Sydney Henry James McRae was born in Bunyip in 1914.

At the time of the artist’s visit, Sydney was serving a prison sentence in Pentridge, for breaking into the store at the Lake Tyers Station. His fellow inmate was Bobby King. The artist travelled to Pentridge in May and July to paint their portraits. He found Sydney very co-operative and a good sitter:

"the best of his family physically but a short chap about 5’. A pleasant little fellow, very quiet and anxious to please"

Progress was difficult due to a steady stream of visitors to see the artist at work. Perhaps because of the number of short sessions, it is a successful and finished portrait, described by the artist as

"a very good likeness and the picture alive"

Sydney McRae returned to Lake Tyers in April 1935 but did not seem to settle. In 1938, he absconded from the Station to New South Wales. He gained employment with a travelling circus, as an animal trainer, hence his nickname ‘Poona’ and was sought after for his skilled harmonica playing and skills with animals.