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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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Where the wild things are

Michael Desmond explores the complex portrait of Dr Bob Brown by Harold 'The Kangaroo' Thornton.

More information on Where the wild things are

Selected images

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Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz, 1983 Harold Thornton. © Estate of Harold Thornton
Harold Kangaroo Thornton at the Hellfire Club, Blackmarket, 1995
Harold Kangaroo Thornton at the Hellfire Club, Blackmarket, 1995
Doctor Brown and green old time waltz, 1983 (detail)
Doctor Brown and green old time waltz, 1983 (detail)
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Related information

Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Virtual Highlight Tour

Our Power, Our Planet, Our Portraits

12:30pm, Tue 21 Apr

On the eve of World Earth Day, join Education Delivery Officer Sami to explore portraits of Australians who have harnessed public action to protect our environment.
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Bob Brown

In defence of the 'leech ridden ditch'

Portrait story

Bob Brown discusses the events that occurred during the Franklin River campaign as depicted in his portrait by Harold 'The Kangaroo' Thornton.
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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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.

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